PM backs Phillips as abuse victims call for her to quit

SIR Keir Starmer said he “of course” has faith in Westminster safeguarding minister Jess Phillips after a group of women who resigned from the grooming gangs inquiry called for her to stand down.

- HELEN CORBETT, ELLIE CRABBE AND DAVID CLARK

Four women who quit the inquiry’s victims liaison panel have said in a letter to the Home Secretary that they would be prepared to return if she resigns as safeguarding minister.

Meanwhile, reports emerged that a fifth survivor had left the panel, while separately another had joined the call for Ms Phillips to resign.

Two candidates have withdrawn from the running to chair the inquiry.

Ministers have rallied around Ms Phillips, with a spokesperson for Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood saying she has her “full support” and Health Secretary Wes Streeting praising her work to support victims and survivors of violence.

Sir Keir said during a visit yesterday: “The most important thing in relation to the grooming gangs is that we have the national inquiry and that absolutely gets to the truth and to justice.”

Asked if he has faith in the minister, the Prime Minister said: “Yes, of course I do. Jess has been working on issues involving violence against women and girls for many years.”