Dec 10, 2025 03:12 AM
BACKGROUND: Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs ..... Update on Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs
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Everything you need to know about the grooming gangs chair announcement
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/...g-33028854
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced former children’s commissioner Baroness Anne Longfield as the new Chair of the national grooming gang inquiry. The news comes after two previous Chair candidates stepped down after a backlash by a number of survivors who had been advising the government.
Oldham will no longer hold a local inquiry, but will be 'prioritised' as part of the full inquiry. The national investigation will come with stronger powers to compel witnesses and demand documents from authorities such as the council or police. Baroness Longfield is expected to visit the borough in the New Year to meet survivors and partners locally.
The announcements came as part of a discussion in the Commons that presented a draft version of the terms of reference. These include a focus on grooming gangs, and an inquiry that will 'keep survivors at its heart' and be 'led by the evidence', according to Mahmood.
The news has been widely welcomed by councillors in Oldham. Townhall boss Arooj Shah said it was 'vital that survivors in Oldham finally have the chance to share their testimony'. And independent coun Brian Holbin, who first brought the issue inside the council chambers added it 'was about time the government listened to survivors'.
But one survivor, who is on the government panel for the inquiry, shared she was disappointed by the government's decisions, claiming they had 'narrowed the terms of reference'. Read the full story here: What grooming gang chair announcement means for Oldham as town to be at centre of investigation
- - - - - - - - -
Everything you need to know about the grooming gangs chair announcement
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/...g-33028854
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced former children’s commissioner Baroness Anne Longfield as the new Chair of the national grooming gang inquiry. The news comes after two previous Chair candidates stepped down after a backlash by a number of survivors who had been advising the government.
Oldham will no longer hold a local inquiry, but will be 'prioritised' as part of the full inquiry. The national investigation will come with stronger powers to compel witnesses and demand documents from authorities such as the council or police. Baroness Longfield is expected to visit the borough in the New Year to meet survivors and partners locally.
The announcements came as part of a discussion in the Commons that presented a draft version of the terms of reference. These include a focus on grooming gangs, and an inquiry that will 'keep survivors at its heart' and be 'led by the evidence', according to Mahmood.
The news has been widely welcomed by councillors in Oldham. Townhall boss Arooj Shah said it was 'vital that survivors in Oldham finally have the chance to share their testimony'. And independent coun Brian Holbin, who first brought the issue inside the council chambers added it 'was about time the government listened to survivors'.
But one survivor, who is on the government panel for the inquiry, shared she was disappointed by the government's decisions, claiming they had 'narrowed the terms of reference'. Read the full story here: What grooming gang chair announcement means for Oldham as town to be at centre of investigation