Elon Musk and Jess Phillips. (Image: GETTY/PA)
Labour has come under fire for refusing to hold a public inquiry into historic child sex abuse in Oldham.
Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips insisted Oldham Council should decide whether to launch an investigation into a grooming gang.
But in response to her comments, tech billionaire claimed “she deserves to be in prison”.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch also added her voice to criticism of the Government over the decision.
She said: “The time is long overdue for a full national inquiry into the rape gangs scandal.
“Trials have taken place all over the country in recent years, but no one in authority has joined the dots. 2025 must be the year that the victims start to get justice.”
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Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick blasted the “shameful” decision, while shadow safeguarding minister Alicia Kearns vowed to write to Ms Phillips to demand answers.
She said: “I struggle to understand why ministers would refuse a council request for help to independently investigate and hold to account those individuals and organisations that failed thousands of victims of grooming gangs and rapists.”
Former home secretary Suella Braverman added: “It’s official: Jess Phillips is all talk and no action. She sits on her hands refusing an inquiry into Oldham grooming gangs.
“As Home Secretary, I set up a taskforce leading to hundreds of arrests. Her inaction speaks volumes about her commitment to women and girls. Disgraceful.”
Oldham Council’s Labour group last year agreed to support an independent inquiry and wrote to Ms Phillips twice calling for it to be backed by the Home Office.
She replied: “It is for Oldham Council alone to decide to commission an inquiry into child sexual exploitation locally, rather than for the Government to intervene…
“I welcome the council’s resolution to do so, as set out in your letter, and to continue its important work with victims and survivors.”
A 2022 review found that children in Oldham were failed by the agencies meant to protect them from sex abuse.
In a series of posts on X, Mr Musk also called for the release of far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
And he insisted a “new election should be called in Britain” in response to polling showing support for Labour has nosedived since July.
The Home Office has been contacted for comment.