Sarah Champion wants more research into the motivations of grooming gangs. In 2012 The Times revealed the abuse scandal in her Rotherham constituency

It was the calm after the storm. For a few days last month, Sarah Champion found herself centre stage as a whirlwind of accusations came hurtling in her direction.

Labour’s equalities spokeswoman was blamed for exacerbating racial tensions in an article she wrote for The Sun after the conviction of a sex-grooming gang in Newcastle upon Tyne who were largely of Pakistani origin.

The loudest howls of protest came from fellow Labour members and supporters. After a brief fight to keep her shadow cabinet role, Ms Champion stood down. It was a sacking disguised as a resignation.

For the first interview since her return to the back benches, the Rotherham MP has chosen to meet in the grand surroundings of Wortley Hall, a country house