DEVELOPING: Government Defies Calls to Remove Jess Phillips from Grooming Inquiry

Breaking News: Government Defies Calls to Remove Jess Phillips from Grooming Inquiry The UK government has made it clear that it intends to keep Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips in her post, despite growing pressure from survivors of grooming gangs. Multiple sources within the government confirm that there is a widespread determination to keep Phillips in her role. This decision comes after four members of the survivors panel of the grooming gang inquiry quit, citing Phillips' presence as a reason for their departure. Since then, five more abuse survivors have written to the Prime Minister, stating they will only continue to work with the inquiry if Phillips remains in her position. The inquiry was thrown into chaos when the leading candidate to chair the inquiry, former Northern Ireland police officer Jim Gamble, declined the role. Sources say the government is now taking urgent steps to find a new candidate. The government is expecting it to be months before a new chair is appointed, leaving the inquiry in limbo. The process has been further complicated by the departure of several key members of the survivors panel. This is a developing story, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.