Fresh blow to national child abuse inquiry as most senior lawyer ‘considers quitting’

UNITED KINGDOM
Manchester Evening News

BY SIMON SMITH

Ben Emmerson is said to disagree with the new chairwoman over the future of the investigation

The national inquiry into child sexual abuse could be facing another serious blow after reports its most senior lawyer is considering standing down.

Ben Emmerson QC, who is counsel to the inquiry, is said to disagree with its chairwoman Alexis Jay about its future.

His departure would represent a fresh setback for the probe, which has been beset by problems since it was launched by then Home Secretary Theresa May in 2014.

A spokeswoman for the inquiry said Mr Emmerson has not resigned.

He is thought to favour a restructuring to reduce the inquiry’s workload, according to The Times.

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