Michael Gove laments 'unseemly row' over Baroness Butler-Sloss abuse inquiry appointment

By Chris Ship: ITV News Deputy Political Editor

The Education Secretary has defended the appointment of Baroness Butler-Sloss to head the independent inquiry into child abuse.

Michael Gove - who dismissed the call for a public inquiry as recently as Sunday - said that the retired judge is "a person of unimpeachable integrity" who "no one doubts is absolutely committed to upholding justice."

• Read: Whistleblower: I was told to 'back off' over paedophiles

He called the debate over her appointment "an unseemly row."

Some MPs have criticised the appointment of Lady Butler-Sloss - who is the sister of the late Sir Michael Havers, the Attorney General at the time some of the allegations of child abuse are said to have taken place.

• Watch: Nigel Havers: My aunt is best person to run the inquiry

Sir Michael Havers has been accused of blocking the prosecution of a paedophile at the time in the 1980s.

However, Michael Gove was unambiguous in his support for her today.

Lady Butler-Sloss herself yesterday told an ITN producer through her apartment intercom that the Home Secretary had asked her to lead the inquiry and she fully intends to do so.