UNITED KINGDOM
The Independent
Rob Merrick Deputy Political Editor @Rob_Merrick
Regular warnings about Dame Lowell Goddard’s allegedly offensive behaviour were ignored by Home Office staff and advisers, it is claimed.
The growing concerns were being passed to both Theresa May’s special adviser, Liz Sanderson, and to Mark Sedwill, the most senior civil servant at the Home Office, insiders told The Times.
Under the terms of Dame Lowell’s appointment in February last year to chair the inquiry, on a £500,000 salary package, only the Home Secretary had the power to sack her.
Criticism is also focused on the explanation given by Amber Rudd, Ms May’s successor in the post, when she was asked to explain Dame Lowell’s resignation in August.
Quizzed by the Home Affairs Select Committee last month, Ms Rudd said Dame Lowell had quit because she was “a long way from home” and “found it too lonely”.
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