Statement from Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson about the Alexis Jay Report into CSE in Rotherham
In response to Liverpool City Council Chief Executive Ged Fitzgerald’s role as former Chief Executive of Rotherham Council from 2001-2003, Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said:
“I have met with Ged Fitzgerald, Chief Executive of Liverpool City Council, and had a preliminary discussion on the findings of the Jay report in relation to child sexual exploitation in Rotherham. Mr Fitzgerald has given me an overview of his role and recollection in relation to the matters reported whilst he was Chief Executive of the Borough from 2001-2003.
“Following that initial discussion, I have arranged to meet with the leaders of the other political groups on the city council to discuss the matter on Friday, 12 September. I will also facilitate a meeting between the leaders and Mr Fitzgerald to give them an opportunity to ask questions directly about his role at Rotherham. Mr Fitzgerald has already stated publicly, and has emphasised to me, his desire to cooperate fully with any scrutiny of issues that may relate to his involvement.
“I have also written today to the Home Secretary calling for the government to instigate immediately an independent inquiry in response to the Jay report to establish how the appalling failings of public agencies relating to vulnerable children in Rotherham were allowed to develop in such a way.
“I will make a further statement within the next few days.”
