'Baby P' official fired without pay
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The head of children's services at Haringey Council was sacked yesterday in the wake of the Baby P case.
Sharon Shoesmith was dismissed "with immediate effect" and will not receive any compensation or payment in lieu of notice, the north London council said in a statement.
Ms Shoesmith, 55, was suspended on 1 December by the Children's Secretary, Ed Balls, after inspectors identified a string of "serious concerns" about child protection services in the area, which they described as "inadequate".
She had provoked widespread public anger when she insisted that her department was not to blame for the death of Baby P.
The news came shortly after the council admitted it had spent £19,000 on media training for some of its high-profile employees, to ensure that they would be equipped to deal with the criticism levelled at their departments in the wake of the Baby P case.
Both Ms Shoesmith and Liz Santry, Haringey's former cabinet member for children and young people, who resigned earlier this month, are understood to be among those who received the training.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments