Wigan Council leader calls for compulsory DBS checks for politicians in wake of Westminster child sex abuse inquiry

Coun David Molyneux believes members of the public would have more confidence in their elected officials if all councillors and MPs had to undergo a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check before serving.

Coun Molyneux believes many residents would be surprised to learn that DBS checks were not compulsory for elected officials.

Formerly known as a CRB check (Criminal Records Bureau), a DBS check is a record of a person’s criminal convictions and cautions. It is an essential requirement for anyone applying to work with children or vulnerable adults, such as teachers, healthcare and childcare professionals.

His comments came in the wake of a damning report which found that the political establishment spent decades turning “a blind eye” to allegations of child sexual abuse, with high-profile politicians protected from police action.

Coun Molyneux said: “On many occasions, councillors are invited to schools and care homes, and to speak to vulnerable adults.

“I think, generally, members of the public would expect their elected representatives, who they have voted for, to have DBS checks.

“Councillors make decisions on decisions on schools and facilities for people with learning difficulties, so I just think it’s something that should be compulsory.

“If you were put in as a school governor, you would have to have one (a DBS check), so I think it’s something we need to think about.”

He added: “The number of times we get all wound up because people have not acted properly in positions of responsibility - I’m not saying it’s the be all and end all, but I’m sure that members of the public would feel more comfortable if those elected had them.”

Coun Molyneux also felt residents would be surprised to know that not all councillors and MPs were DBS checked, saying many Wiganers would “probably think it’s more commonplace.”

The long-awaited investigation into historical allegations against MPs, peers and civil servants working in Westminster found political institutions “significantly failed in their responses to allegations of child sexual abuse”.

It cited as an example the evidence of former Liberal party leader Lord Steel, who told the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) last year how he failed to pass on allegations against prominent colleague Sir Cyril Smith, even though he believed them to be true, because it was “past history”.

He later recommended Smith for a knighthood.

Professor Alexis Jay, who chaired the inquiry, said: “It is clear to see that Westminster institutions have repeatedly failed to deal with allegations of child sexual abuse, from turning a blind eye to actively shielding abusers.

“A consistent pattern emerged of failures to put the welfare of children above political status although we have found no evidence of an organised network of paedophiles within government.

“We hope this report and its recommendations will lead political institutions to prioritise the needs and safety of vulnerable children.”