WIREDGOV

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has begun an independent investigation into whether former South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Shaun Wright, committed perjury when giving evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee (HASC) in 2014.

The investigation follows a referral from the South Yorkshire Police’s Police and Crime Panel who received two complaints. The complaints relate to evidence Mr Wright gave at the HASC on 9 September 2014 whilst he was still Police and Crime Commissioner.

Mr Wright gave evidence, under oath, regarding his knowledge of allegations of widespread child sexual abuse (CSA) in Rotherham. It is specifically alleged that he denied having knowledge of CSA in Rotherham during his time as cabinet member for children’s services at Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council between 2005 and 2010.

The IPCC investigation is specifically focused on whether the evidence given, on oath, by Mr Wright, was in any way misleading.

IPCC Deputy Chair Sarah Green said:

“The IPCC can only investigate a police and crime commissioner if the allegations made are serious enough to be potentially deemed criminal. We are investigating, because at the time the evidence was given, Mr Wright was still South Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner. Our investigation will involve analysing the evidence given at HASC and we will take statements and conduct interviews with any relevant witnesses that we identify as the investigation progresses.”