Concerns over Baroness Butler-Sloss appointment

Concerns have been raised over the appointment of Baroness Butler-Sloss to lead the inquiry into allegations of widespread child abuse by senior figures in Westminster in the 1980s.

Questions have also been asked over the decision to place her at the head of the inquiry as Sir Michael Havers, her brother who died in 1992, was Attorney General in the 1980s, and has been accused of supporting a “white-wash” of allegations made by the late Tory MP Geoffrey Dickens.

Mr Dickens made attempts to uncover abuse which is alleged to have involved as many as 20 senior Westminster figures, including politicians.

In March 1981 he used the legal protection of parliamentary privilege to name Sir Peter Hayman – a former diplomat who had been arrested and cautioned for having child abuse content in a rented flat.

However, it is reported that Sir Michael argued with him outside the Commons chamber for 20 minutes before the disclosure.

Sir Michael became a life peer and was appointed Lord Chancellor in 1987.

Concerns over the appointment of Baroness Butler-Sloss have also been raised on social networks, with Dr Sara Payne MBE, a former Victims Commissioner, saying “Baroness Butler-Sloss is good…but her position is compromised because of the issues around her brother…with our sincere respect to the Baroness we must have the victims faith and confidence in this process and must act for them.”

Keith Vaz, chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee (HASC) expressed surprise at a hearing on Tuesday over her appointment, despite a “distinguished” reputation and being a member of the House of Lords.

Mr Vaz asked Mark Sedwill, the Home Office Permanent Secretary: “Was that considered at all, despite the fact that she is extraordinarily distinguished and a very good head of the family division – that she is a member of Parliament and she is very closely related to a former Lord Chancellor?”

Mr Sedwill replied: “The short answer is no. She is a woman of unimpeachable integrity. She is a cross-bench peer, of course, so is also highly independent in the House of Lords. Anyone who has ever dealt with her wouldn`t question for a second the integrity, capability, intelligence and rigour that she will bring to this role.”