Child Abuse Inquiry Controversy At-A-Glance

As victims of alleged historical sex abuse withdraw from a government inquiry, we look at key events in the controversy.

Key figures: Fiona Woolf, Theresa May, Leon Brittan and Lady Butler-Sloss

The victims' letter of withdrawal sent to Theresa May is the latest in a string of controversies that have dogged the investigation.

Here is an at-a-glance background to the most recent developments in the saga:
:: City lawyer Fiona Woolf was appointed in September to chair the panel examining the way UK institutions handled historical child sex abuse allegations.
:: The original nominee, Lady Butler-Sloss, stepped down because her late brother, Lord Havers, was attorney general during much of the period in question.
:: Then came the criticism of Mrs Woolf's appointment because of her social links with former home secretary Lord Brittan and his wife.

'Most Extraordinary' Situation

:: Her connection with Lord Brittan was under the spotlight because he is likely to be called to give evidence to the inquiry about his handling of child abuse allegations.
:: He denies failing to act on a dossier of paedophilia allegations he received while in office in the 1980s.
:: Mrs Woolf has lived in the same street as the Brittans for the last decade, and not only has she invited the couple to dinner at her house three times, she has also dined at their home twice, met Lady Brittan for coffee, sat on a prize-giving panel with her and sponsored her £50 for a fun run.

Video: Victims Have No Confidence In Woolf

:: With doubts about whether Mrs Woolf could have the confidence of victims, a photograph surfaced showing her chatting to Lady Brittan at a prize-giving event last October - after she told Home Secretary Theresa May she had had "no social contact with Lord and Lady Brittan since April 23, 2013".
:: Mrs Woolf faced intensified calls to quit after documents were published showing a letter setting out Mrs Woolf's contacts with Lord Brittan and his wife was redrafted seven times, with guidance from Home Office officials, before being sent to Mrs May.
:: Home Affairs Select Committee chairman Keith Vaz said Mrs Woolf's appointment had been "chaotic" and she should decide whether she wished to remain chairwoman of the inquiry.

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   The Redrafted Letter At Centre Of Woolf Row
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   The Redrafted Letter At Centre Of Woolf Row

:: A solicitor for victims told Sky News they had no confidence in Mrs Woolf, and called for the inquiry "to start again".
:: The Home Office gave its backing to Mrs Woolf and her panel, expressing confidence they could carry out their duties "to the highest standards of impartiality and integrity".
:: But she has now quit after mounting pressure over her role. As she stepped down, Mrs Woolf said the concerns expressed by the victims had "turned the tide" and prompted her to give up the post.

Abuse Inquiry Head 'Not Suitable'

:: Victims of the alleged historical sex abuse say they will pull out of an inquiry led by the Home Office. The victims have sent a letter to Home Secretary Theresa May saying they have lost confidence in the investigation.

'An Ordinary Citizen'

July: Sex Abuse Inquiry Judge Quits