Shoesmith loses Baby P appeal
By politics.co.uk staff
Sharon Shoesmith, the former head of children’s services in Haringey council who was heavily criticised over the death of Baby P, has lost an appeal against her sacking.
Ms Shoesmith, 55, was removed from her position in December after a damning report was released into her department’s handling of the 17-month-old’s death.
Baby P died in 2007 after suffering sustained abuse at the hands of his mother, her boyfriend and their lodger.
At the time of his death he was suffering from a broken back, an injury that went unnoticed by a doctor just two days previously. He had also been placed on Haringey’s “at-risk” register and had been visited numerous times by council staff.
Last week a spokesman for the council confirmed Ms Shoesmith had decided to appeal against the decision to dismiss her. Today it was confirmed a panel of councillors has decided to reject her appeal.
Children’s secretary Ed Balls removed Ms Shoesmith from office on December 1st but she remained on full pay while her case was considered. However, she was eventually dismissed without any form of compensation.
A damning report released last month claimed the 55-year-old’s department’s shortcomings “led to a fundamental loss of trust and confidence” in her ability.
