Police chief accused of U-turn on Heath sex abuse inquiry

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A POLICE chief has been accused of performing an about-turn by refusing to initiate a public inquiry into the investigation of Sir Edward Heath.

Angus Macpherson, Wiltshire’s police and crime commissioner (PCC), has repeatedly acknowledged the need for an inquiry, amid claims that the force’s findings on historical child sex abuse allegations were uncorroborated and failed to justify the time and expense officers spent on them. But he has refused to initiate it, according to Heath’s supporters, despite confirmation from the Home Office that he has the power to do so.

Lincoln Seligman, Heath’s godson, has written to Mr Macpherson demanding that the former prime minister’s reputation be restored by a judge-led inquiry. He said he had taken Mr Macpherson’s “frequent declara- tions” of support in good faith. He wrote: “Your current U-turn – the most recent in a well-documented series, ie, a refusal now to take any action – suggests that you fear the spotlight of an independent inquiry.

“If you think that you can walk away from your responsibilities, I fear that you are mistaken. Surely it is time for you to reconsider your position.”

Baroness Williams of Trafford, a Home Office minister, told peers last week that it was for elected PCCs to decide how best to “hold their forces to account” and that they had the power to commission a review if thought appropriate. She said she had written to Mr Macpherson to outline his powers.

Wiltshire police concluded last October that, if Heath were still alive, he would be questioned under caution over seven alleged offences, but it was stressed that no inference of guilt could be drawn.