Former director of children's services Shoesmith has also lodged a claim for unfair dismissal against Haringey council, it was confirmed today.
Her solicitors are also stating that the action taken by Balls in calling for Shoesmith's dismissal was influenced by media pressure and went beyond his powers and Haringey council breached its own procedures by failing to carry out an investigation or give Shoesmith an opportunity to respond to the findings of the JAR.
Shoesmith was sacked without notice last December following a damning joint area review into Haringey's child protection practices following the Baby P case.
Watford Employment Tribunal confirmed the former director of children's services at Haringey council had lodged a claim against the authority.
A spokesman for the authority said it would be contesting Shoesmith's claim "vigorously".
The 17-month old boy died in 2007 following months of abuse. His mother, her boyfriend and their lodger were convicted of causing his death.
