Leicester MP demands 'full explanation' after head of child sex abuse inquiry quits

Keith Vaz said 'serious questions' need to be answered. Credit: PA

The Government must provide a "full explanation" for Dame Lowell Goddard's decision to quit as head of the child sexual abuse inquiry, Labour's Leicester East MP Keith Vaz has said.

Mr Vaz, who is chairman of the Commons Home Affairs committee, said the decision was "astonishing" and that "serious questions" should be asked about "why the Home Office has not monitored events more carefully".

"We will expect a full explanation from both the Prime Minister and the new Home Secretary about these matters," he said. "We need to examine again the remit, cost, purpose and ambition of what the inquiry was tasked with."

Tom Watson, deputy leader of the Labour Party, said a new chair must be found as "a matter of great urgency", adding: "I hope the new Home Secretary will not attempt to take control of the investigation. The independence of this inquiry must not be compromised by ministers or officials."

Dame Lowell Goddard resigned on Thursday. Credit: PA

Dame Lowell Goddard resigned on Thursday, having been appointed chair of the long-delayed inquiry in February 2015.

Matthew Reed, chief executive of The Children's Society, said: "The crucial work of the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse must not be derailed by the departure of the chair. For the sake of victims of abuse, it is important that progress is made quickly to appoint a new chair.

"However, there have now been three chairs appointed since the inquiry was first announced. Given this, it is equally important to ensure the new chair is the right person for the task ahead."