UK Petition Calls for National Inquiry into Preston Davey Child Death

A petition demanding a national inquiry into the death of 13‑month‑old Preston Davey has gathered more than 100,000 signatures. The campaign, launched on June 18, is backed by singer Ellie Goulding, Carrie Johnson, Blackpool South MP Chris Webb and Preston’s biological parents, and calls for a review of safeguarding failures linked to the boy’s adoptive father.

Adoptive father Jamie Varley was sentenced at Preston Crown Court to a whole‑life term for the sexual abuse and murder, while his partner John McGowan‑Fazakerley received 25 years. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced a child‑safeguarding review and new protections under the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, pledging to prevent similar tragedies.