Scottish abuse expert resigns from ‘shambolic’ inquiry

The chair of the Scottish Government’s inquiry into child abuse has resigned amid calls for her dismissal, and accused politicians of undermining her, writes Brian Morton.

In her resignation letter Susan O’Brien QC accused the Government of threatening her when she resisted attempts to “micromanage” and “control” the inquiry, which began in October 2015. Another panellist, Professor Michael Lamb, also resigned from the inquiry last week, complaining of government interference.

Proceedings against Ms O’Brien had already been initiated by Deputy First Minister John Swinney after complaints that she had made inappropriate comments about abuse survivors. Addressing a training session for abuse inquiry members Ms O’Brien is alleged to have reported a survivor’s comment that an instance of sex abuse in childhood “was the best thing that ever happened [to him]”.
Copies of letters complaining about the incident have been published in full online by the Scottish Government, alongside Mr Swinney’s statement and Ms O’Brien’s resignation letter.

Child abuse expert, Dr Claire Fyvie, said quoting the remark was a breach of confidentiality and revealed “a shocking level of misjudgement” by Ms O’Brien. Mr Swinney thought that the comment “indicate[d] a mindset incompatible with the post of chair”. Ms O’Brien responded that the remark in no way implied endorsement.