Butler-Sloss position became 'unsustainable'

Baroness Butler-Sloss has stepped down from a government child abuse inquiry. Credit: John Stillwell/PA Wire

By Chris Ship: Deputy Political Editor

It was becoming "unsustainable".

That is the view of one of the MPs who has been leading the campaign to investigate the historic allegations of child abuse - many of which centre on claims of a cover-up at Westminster.

Simon Danczuk was referring to the decision by Baroness Butler-Sloss to stand down as head of the independent inquiry.

Questions have been raised about her appointment since it was announced last Tuesday.

Elizabeth Butler-Sloss is the sister of the last Sir Michael Havers - who was the Attorney General for much of the 1980s - the period in which the claims of a cover-up have centred.

Downing Street insists the decision was hers - and there was no pressure from the government.

Last week Lady Butler-Sloss insisted that she would continue with her role as she had been asked to do it by Theresa May.

Read: Baroness Butler-Sloss steps down from child abuse inquiry