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The man thought to be the only remaining candidate to chair the national grooming gangs inquiry has withdrawn from consideration for the role, sources have said.
Former police officer Jim Gamble is reported to have pulled out of the process, with pressure on the inquiry understood to be the reason.
He follows Annie Hudson, a former director of children’s services for Lambeth who was reported to have withdrawn on Tuesday, and leaves the Government looking for alternative candidates.
A Home Office spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that candidates to chair that inquiry have withdrawn. This is an extremely sensitive topic, and we have to take the time to appoint the best person suitable for the role.”
The withdrawals follow the resignation of four women from the inquiry’s victims and survivors panel, citing concerns that the individuals being considered to chair the probe had connections to the police or social services.
They also cited a “toxic environment” and proposals to widen the scope of the inquiry.
In the Commons on Wednesday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer insisted the inquiry “is not and will never be watered down” and its scope “will not change”.
He said: “It will examine the ethnicity and religion of the offenders, and we will find the right person to chair the inquiry.”
