Child sex abuse inquiry: Dame Lowell Goddard becomes third chairwoman to quit

Resignation: Inquiry judge Justice Goddard
PA
Mark Chandler4 August 2016
WEST END FINAL

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Dame Lowell Goddard has become the third chairwoman to quit an independent inquiry into child sexual abuse.

The 67-year-old, a New Zealand high court judge, was appointed to lead the inquiry following the resignation of two previous chairwomen.

It was set up in 2014 amid claims of an establishment cover-up following allegations that a paedophile ring operated in Westminster in the 1980s.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said: "I can confirm that Dame Lowell Goddard wrote to me today to offer her resignation as chair of the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse and I have accepted.

"I want to assure everyone with an interest in the inquiry, particularly victims and survivors, that the work of the inquiry will continue without delay and a new chair will be appointed.

"I would like to thank Dame Lowell Goddard for the contribution she has made in setting up the inquiry so that it may continue to go about its vital work."

Dame Lowell, who was appointed in April 2015, quit on Thursday afternoon in a resignation letter that was sent to Ms Rudd.

She wrote: "I regret to advise that I am offering my resign as chair of the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse, with immediate effect. I trust you will accept this decision."

In accepting Dame Lowell's resignation, Ms Rudd wrote: "I know that this will have been a difficult decision for you to make, and something you will have carefully considered. I was sorry to receive your letter, but I accept your decision."

Ms Rudd described the inquiry as the "most ambitious public inquiry ever established in England and Wales" and praised Dame Lowell for having helped it to make progress.

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