New Zealand judge chosen as new head of child sex abuse inquiry

A New Zealand judge, Justice Lowell Goddard, was named as the new head of the inquiry into historic child sex abuse.

The appointment follows the resignation of Theresa May’s two previous choices.

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May said Judge Goddard was “highly respected” and fitted all the laid-out criteria and will take on the role, from which two previous chairs had resigned amid scandal.

May also told MPs that the Home Office had received 150 applications for the post, which had been rigorously sifted before Justice Goddard’s appointment. The current inquiry panel is to be dissolved with new members appointed and its terms of reference will be revised.

The judge would be as “removed as possible” from institutions that may become part of the investigation, May emphasized.

Announcing the moves in a Commons statement, Ms May told MPs: “I am now more determined than ever to expose the people behind these despicable crimes.”