Balls overrules MPs' objections to Atkinson commissioner appointment
Charlotte Goddard
Monday, October 19, 2009
Children's Secretary Ed Balls has overridden MPs' objections to the appointment of Maggie Atkinson as children's commissioner for England.
In a report published today, the Children, Schools and Families Select Committee said it was "unable to endorse" Atkinson's appointment. It said that while MPs were satisfied that Atkinson demonstrated a "high degree of professional competenece" they were disappointed by her lack of "determination to assert the independence of the role, to challenge the status quo on children's behalf, and to stretch the remit of the post, in particular by championing children's rights."
In a letter to Barry Sheerman, chair of the committee, Balls said the report did not put forward "new relevant facts" and he would go ahead with Atkinson's appointment. He said Atkinson had asserted she was "fearlessly independent" and would "be vociferous" in putting forward the views of vulnerable children and young people. He wrote: "Maggie Atkinson is one of the most outstanding directors of children's services in the country."
The committee questioned Atkinson's last week as part of a pre-appointment hearing, a process introduced by the government on a pilot basis.
Shadow Children's Secretary, Michael Gove, said: "Ed Balls seems more interested in getting in his own person to this role than hiring the individual who might be best for the job."
He added: "Rather than go ahead in such a partisan way, the Secretary of State should think again so that he gets the best person for the job and someone whose independence from ministers is not compromised."
Sir Paul Ennals, chief executive of the National Children's Bureau, said: "Anyone that knows Maggie will find it amazing to hear the claim that she is not independent. Barry Sheerman and the opposition members of the select committee are using this as a political football."