Keir Starmer, who resisted a national grooming gangs inquiry, could now be called to give evidence at it

Baroness Anne Longfield, the inquiry's chairwoman, has granted Starmer 'core participant' status, with hearings scheduled to begin in December. The statutory inquiry, costing £65 million over three years, can compel witnesses and force bodies to hand over documents. Starmer only ordered it after Elon Musk attacked him on X over the scandal. Its launch was dogged by delays, resignations and rows over scope.

Starmer initially argued that recommendations from existing reviews should be implemented rather than a new inquiry established.

Survivors, whistleblowers and senior police officers are also core participants.

The inquiry's geographical scope covers Birmingham, Bradford, Keighley, London, Oldham and parts of Wales.