Watchdog probe into ex-Rotherham mayor Shaun Wright "in final stages"

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is looking into whether Mr Wright may have committed perjury when he told the home affairs select committee in 2014 that no-one had reported concerns about child sex abuse to him while he was responsible for children’s services in Rotherham.

Mr Wright was South Yorkshire police and crime commissioner at the time of the meeting in September 2014.

Two complaints — one by CSE whistleblower Jayne Senior — were made about his statements, which the watchdog (then the Independent Police Complaints Commission) eventually agreed to investigate after initial ruling the allegations were not under its remit.

IOPC regional director Sarah Green said today: “Our investigation into allegations that former South Yorkshire police and crime commissioner Shaun Wright may have committed perjury has entered its final stages. 

“We have reviewed the transcripts from the home affairs select committee meeting where the alleged offence took place. 

“We have also completed all relevant lines of enquiry and have interviewed the key witnesses and Mr Wright. 

“The allegations made are of a very serious nature, and our prime objective is to ensure our investigation is conducted thoroughly and sensitively.”