Home Office knew about judge ‘racism’ concerns that forced child sex abuse inquiry resignation

THE Home Office last night conceded the head of Britain’s sex abuse inquiry was forced to resign after Whitehall officials were told of allegations about her conduct.

It was revealed the Home Office had known about professionalism concerns surrounding Dame Justice Lowell Goddard since July.

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Home Secretary Amber Rudd had claimed Justice Goddard, who is from New Zealand, resigned because she was homesick.

But yesterday a spokesman said: “On the 29 July the Home Office was made aware of concerns about the professionalism of Justice Goddard.

“The Permanent Secretary advised the Inquiry that as they were independent they should raise this directly with the Chair. It is understood that they did this.

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“No formal complaint was made to the Home Office. Justice Goddard resigned on August 4.”

But No10 refused to say whether the PM, who set up the inquiry when she was Home Secretary, was previously aware of the allegations.

Insiders accused Dame ­Justice Goddard of saying Britain had so many paedos “because it had so many Asian men”.

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Dame Lowell was also said to have complained at having to travel 50 miles from London to see a “white face”.

She quit her £500,000 post in August with a £90,000 pay-off. Yesterday she blasted the allegations, including that she showed contempt for staff.

Andrew Lavery, of victims group White Flowers Alba, said: “This is an inquiry supposed to be getting to the truth. But it has been cover up upon cover up.”