The woman heading Britain's inquiry into historic claims of child sex abuse by politicians and public figures resigned Monday less than a week after her appointment, following criticism over her links to the establishment. Retired British judge Elizabeth Butler-Sloss came under fire because of a potential conflict of interest, as the investigation will likely look at the handling of allegations by her brother, a former attorney general.
Prime Minister David Cameron's office said it was "entirely her decision" to step down. Butler-Sloss had been tasked to conduct wide-ranging inquiry into allegations of abuse right across the establishment, from schools to churches and care homes, focusing on how institutions failed to protect children.
It was sparked by allegations about a paedophile ring involving senior politicians during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. A separate review into whether civil servants covered up the claims about the politicians is also under way. Long-running rumours about abuse by top Westminster figures have taken on new significance following a string of recent scandals about abuse by celebrities including late BBC star Jimmy Savile. In a statement, Butler-Sloss, 80, acknowledged that she "did not sufficiently consider" the impact of her family connections when she accepted the appointment last Tuesday. "It has become apparent over the last few days... that there is a widespread perception, particularly among victim and survivor groups, that I am not the right person to chair the inquiry," she said.
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