David Cameron issues inquiry into Tory sex claims linked to Wales

A Conservative politician is accused of child abuse by a former habitant of a children’s home

15:37 06 November 2012

Prime Minister David Cameron has confirmed there will be an investigation into sex abuse claims that concern North Wales. This could look into the involvement of one Tory politician in particular, as a man has been accused of child abuse by Steve Messham, who formerly presided at Bryn Estyn children’s home.

 

Reportedly, the PM said on Tuesday that he hopes it is “a rapid investigation” and that it gets to the bottom of the matter.

 

An investigation that took place in the 1990s looked at sex abuse claims in Wales, being led by Sir Ronald Waterhouse, and alleged victim Mr. Messham has said – as reported by the BBC – that the new probe should look at the alleged assaults not the previous inquiry.

 

The original investigation concerned alleged sex abuse that was thought to have taken place during the 1970s and 80s.

 

Mr. Messham is expected to take part in talks with David Jones, the Welsh Secretary, and Downing Street will look to the Welsh government with regards to the new case.

 

In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, the Tory party member who is reportedly accused by Mr. Messham of carrying out sexual abuse, has denied the claims. Apparently, the politician has never visited the said children’s home, and with regards to the allegation that states victims were driven to a hotel where they were abused, the man has said he has never owned a Rolls Royce.

 

This news comes following BBC’s Newsnight’s discovery on Friday where Mr. Messham revealed the accusation against a Tory member. There have been links made to the Jimmy Savile scandal in some reports, and if the PM had not consented to the new probe he could have faced criticism similar to the BBC for their alleged cover up concerning sex abuse.