Woolf’s out but can anyone be trusted with this inquiry?

The establishment takes care of its own.

As a second chairwoman resigns from the UK government’s inquiry into historic child abuse allegations, it’s clear that questions need to be asked about who should lead this investigation and what its remit ought to be.

Home secretary Theresa May has announced that a new leader will be sought to replace Lord Mayor Fiona Woolf, who has stepped down over accusations that she has too many ties to the people implicated in the investigation.

May has vowed to run any appointment by the survivors of child abuse that opposed Woolf as well as the MPs who grilled her before her resignation. But, speaking in the House of Commons, she said finding someone with enough gravitas who can clear their diary for what could be a very long haul, will be very difficult.

But a replacement must be found and it must be someone who can challenge people in high places. Woolf’s appointment and resignation has led to questions about whether the British establishment can be trusted to police itself.  (more...)

Woolf’s out but can anyone be trusted with this inquiry?