Rishi Sunak ‘concerned’ that Nicola Bulley police shared missing mum’s health issues
Rishi Sunak says he is “concerned” after police investigating Nicola Bulley’s disappearance shared her sensitive health issues with the public.
The Prime Minister said he agreed with Home Secretary Suella Braverman who reportedly demanded answers from Lancashire Police after details of the missing mum’s alcohol problems were released.
The force has announced today it is launching an internal review of the investigation following a major backlash over its conduct.
The 45-year-old mum disappeared while on a dog walk in St Michael’s on Wyre on January 27.
During a press briefing on Wednesday led by senior investigating officer Rebecca Smith, it was revealed mortgage adviser Nicola had “vulnerabilities”.
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Nikki Bulley – Mortgage Adviser/Facebook)
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Lancashire Police / SWNS)
This had meant the case was accelerated to ‘High Risk’, with the police still working mostly along the hypothesis that she accidentally fell into the River Wyre and drowned.
Hours later the conference, the constabulary released a statement outlining that Nicola had “significant” issues with alcohol brought on by struggles with the menopause.
These had recently resurfaced and on January 10 officers had been called to her address in Inskip over concerns for her welfare.
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UK PARLIAMENT/AFP via Getty Imag)
The unprecedented step was quickly condemned and the force referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in relation to its contact with the family prior to the disappearance.
Speaking today, Mr Sunak told Sky News: “I agree with the Home Secretary in like her I was concerned that that private information was put into the public domain and I’m pleased that the police are looking at how that happened in the investigation.
“Obviously, my thoughts are with Nicola’s friends and family and the focus must now be on continuing to try to find her.”
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PA)
Ms Braverman is said to have been receiving regular updates since the case was launched.
However, according to reports, she specifically asked the force for an explanation after its revelations this week.
A source close to Ms Braverman told the Daily Telegraph : “The Home Secretary was concerned by the disclosure of Nicola Bulley’s personal information by Lancashire Police and asked the force for an explanation, which was received yesterday evening.”
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PA)
However, the BBC reports the Home Secretary was not wholly satisfied with the force’s justification.
Investigators had previously said Nicola’s health was “not relevant” to the case.
A Home Office spokesperson told the Mirror last night: “Our thoughts are with Nicola Bulley’s family at this incredibly difficult time.
“The Home Secretary and Policing Minister are receiving regular updates from Lancashire Police on its handling of this case, including why personal details about Nicola was briefed out at this stage of the investigation.”
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Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)
Nicola’s family released a statement confirming they were aware police would be releasing the details though said: “Nikki would not have wanted this.”
The force has received backlash, including from Labour MP Stella Creasy who said there is “no evidence that this is assisting in finding her”.
Lancashire Police are set to conduct an internal review into the Nicola Bulley investigation, the force has confirmed.
In a statement, a spokeswoman said: “A review of the investigation is diarised and will be conducted by our Head of Crime Detective Chief Superintendent Pauline Stables.“She is also PIP 4 accredited and has attended the national reviewer course.”