New Zealand judge to lead historic child abuse inquiry

Making the announcement to MPs in the House of Commons that Lowell Goddard will head the inquiry, Home Secretary Theresa May also revealed that the current panel will be disbanded and replaced by a new panel.

In addition, the new inquiry will be placed on a statutory footing, giving it the power to compel witnesses to give evidence.

Goddard is the third chair of the long-awaited inquiry to be appointed.

Since the original child abuse inquiry was set up last July, two chairs – Lady Butler-Sloss, and Fiona Woolf – have resigned amid concerns over their links with the establishment.

Theresa May said Goddard is an outstanding candidate who has experience challenging authority, having led an inquiry into police handling of child abuse cases in New Zealand while chair of the country’s Independent Police Complaints Association.

“I am grateful for the input of survivors and their representatives who have been involved in discussions regarding the appointment, as well as the previous panel for all its work which will not be lost,” May said

“We must leave no stone unturned if we are to take this once-in-a-generation opportunity to get to the truth.”

Goddard said the inquiry will be “long, challenging and complex”.

“The many, many survivors of child sexual abuse, committed over decades, deserve a robust and thorough investigation of the appalling crimes perpetrated upon them,” she said.

“It is vitally important that their voices are now being heard.”

Goddard will appear at a pre-appointment hearing before the home affairs select committee on 11 February.