Bullying inquiry suspended at equalities watchdog over trans rights row

Original source (on modern site) | Article images: [1]

A bullying investigation into the chairwoman of Britain's human rights watchdog has been suspended amid concerns that she is the victim of a witch-hunt by staff opposed to her stance on trans rights.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said it had halted the investigation into Baroness Falkner of Margravine to ensure its "integrity and that it is fair to all parties concerned".

Claims against Falkner had been leaked to Channel 4 News in what critics said was an attempt to "prejudge" the inquiry.

One senior Whitehall source said that the position of Marcial Boo, the EHRC's chief executive, was now "untenable" and that the organisation was in "chaos". The source added: "It is very hard to see how he can remain in post.