Starmer granted core participant status in grooming gangs inquiry

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 17:20 · Archive

Sir Keir Starmer has been granted core participant status at the grooming gangs inquiry he ordered in 2025. This formal status, granted by the inquiry's chairwoman under public inquiry rules, means he could be summoned to give evidence at its hearings. The hearings are due to begin in December. Core participant status places Sir Keir among the people, groups and organisations formally given special status and rights to take part in the investigation. However, the status does not automatically mean he will be required to give evidence.

The £65 million, three-year inquiry is being led by Baroness Anne Longfield, the former children's commissioner for England. It has the legal powers to compel witnesses to give evidence and to require organisations to hand over documents. The inquiry is examining areas across Britain, including Birmingham, Bradford, Keighley, London, Oldham and parts of Wales, where serious failures have been identified in the response to child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs.

Sir Keir initially resisted calls for a national inquiry in 2025. Pressure for one came after tech billionaire Elon Musk attacked the then-prime minister over the scandal on his X social media platform. After the government's U-turn on ordering the inquiry, efforts to set up the body and start work were hit by delays, resignations and rows about its scope.

How it is being reported

• Sir Keir Starmer could be summoned to give evidence to grooming gangs inquirySir Keir Starmer may be required to give evidence at the grooming gangs inquiry, with hearings due to begin in December.Sky News · 22 Oct, 14:59
• Starmer could be summoned to give evidence at grooming gangs inquiryThe former PM has been given core participant status in the inquiryThe Independent · 22 Oct, 14:43

In this story: Sir Keir Starmer · Baroness Anne Longfield · Elon Musk · Birmingham · Bradford · London · Oldham

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