Lisa Nandy denies Musk prompted grooming gangs inquiry

Later, on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Nandy said Labour had “made tackling violence against women and girls a top priority for this government”.

“We committed to that in opposition, it was in our manifesto and the home secretary is making good on that promise.”

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced a new £10m fund, split into two parts, to tackle grooming gangs and child sexual abuse

First, a “rapid” three-month national audit led by veteran troubleshooter Baroness Louise Casey will examine gang demographics, their victims, and the “cultural drivers” of the crimes.

Secondly, Tom Crowther, known for leading an inquiry into Telford grooming gangs, will help Oldham and four other pilot areas yet to be named develop their own reviews.

Cooper stopped short of launching a statutory national inquiry, as called for by the Conservatives, Reform UK and some Labour MPs, but the announcement marked a clear shift in the government’s position.

Responding to the announcement, Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the plan was “wholly inadequate” and repeated his call for a full national inquiry.

He expressed concern that the local inquiries would not have powers to compel witnesses to attend and give evidence under oath.