Abuse inquiry: Fiona Woolf steps down as chairwoman

After a meeting today with abuse victim's groups Fiona Woolf has decided to step down from leading the inquiry into historical abuse claims against a number of high profile paedophiles.

Fiona Woolf is to step down as the head of an inquiry into historic child sex abuse, she has told the BBC. She said it had been clear for some time that victims did not have confidence in her, adding that it was time to "get out of the way". Victims' groups had told Home Office officials they were "unanimous" she should quit, citing her social links with ex-Home Secretary Lord Brittan. Home Secretary Theresa May said she had accepted her decision "with regret". "I believe she would have carried out her duties with integrity, impartiality and to the highest standard," she said in a statement. Prime Minister David Cameron had been "absolutely clear" that she could do the job, a No 10 spokesman said. It comes after the first person appointed to lead the inquiry - Baroness Butler-Sloss - stepped down in July after concerns were raised about the fact that her late brother was attorney general during the 1980s.

Not before time in my opinion and Theresa May the Home Secretary should apologise to the House for appointing Fiona Woolf in the first place.

The way this whole inquiry has been dealt with is nothing but shambolic and unless someone is appointed to lead, who is far removed from the establishment, then we will continue to go around in circles.

For the sakes of the victims we need to get this inquiry up and running as quickly as possible without further controversy. I appreciate the whole house of cards could come crashing down, but unless we expose the truth and those involved in this wicked business, it will continue with many more children becoming victims.

Get it sorted Home Secretary. No more stalling for time, the victims are owed an outcome quickly.

www.bbc.co.uk...

It's an embarrassment for Theresa May. She could do with putting some serious thought into the next appointment. Besides the official reasons for Fiona Woolf stepping down, an investigation surrounding allegations that thousands of victims were ignored by the establishment should not be run by someone so close to the establishment. The question is do the Tory party know anyone that isn't?

That's the tricky thing. You need someone with investigative experience who knows when they are being fobbed off and stonewalled by those in the know. But the establishment won't want someone who's like a bloundhound and won't give up the chase, especially when it goes into private affairs of individuals.

a reply to: Cobaltic1978

They will simply choose another but make no bones about they will still cover the bulk of the crime up and whitewash themselves.

They do have a real problem here, you could not find a senior lawyer or civil servant with the qualifications to do this job who won't be friends in some way with somebody implicated in it.

I honestly don't see what they can do, unless they bring in an investigator from the EU or something to run it for them. But that will never happen.

a reply to: Painterz

And yet no matter what I may think of the EU outside investigation is exactly what is needed to make a cover up far harder.

They would have to make this a Scotland Yard or Interpol investigation to be completely untainted.

Social networks these days are really tight. You meet your college professors. Your college professor meets the head of department, the head of department meets the university principal head, the university principal head meets with MP's, government secretaries and ministers. They meet with the prime minister. So even as an first year student, you are only six links away from the PM.

Now imagine what that's like trying to do an investigation ...

a reply to: stormcell

Scotland Yard is tainted too many cops willing to sell information to make a quick buck.

Professor Alexis Jay did a great job in Rotherham, she would be my choice. Give her the resources and she will not be shy in dealing with this atrocious mess.

What you really need is someone with no ties whatsoever and at the end can simply go home.

A top judge from China or Russia? But then Global politics would interfere.

How about Iceland's top judge?

You need to get that far away!

P