Home Office knew about judge ‘racism’ concerns that forced child sex abuse inquiry resignation
Whitehall conceded the abuse inquiry chief was forced to resign as her professionalism was in question
THE Home Office last night conceded the head of Britain’s sex abuse inquiry was forced to resign after Whitehall officials were told of allegations about her conduct.
It was revealed the Home Office had known about professionalism concerns surrounding Dame Justice Lowell Goddard since July.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd had claimed Justice Goddard, who is from New Zealand, resigned because she was homesick.
But yesterday a spokesman said: “On the 29 July the Home Office was made aware of concerns about the professionalism of Justice Goddard.
“The Permanent Secretary advised the Inquiry that as they were independent they should raise this directly with the Chair. It is understood that they did this.
“No formal complaint was made to the Home Office. Justice Goddard resigned on August 4.”
But No10 refused to say whether the PM, who set up the inquiry when she was Home Secretary, was previously aware of the allegations.
Insiders accused Dame Justice Goddard of saying Britain had so many paedos “because it had so many Asian men”.