Council children's boss quits after damning report

Published 19 Jan 2009 21:15 1 Comment

READING'S children's services leader quit tonight, saying he had been forced out by "vicious" political attacks.

Cllr Pete Ruhemann stepped down after an Ofsted report uncovered serious failings in child protection in the borough, rating it "inadequate".

He told the council's Cabinet: "I can do sums and the other parties I know have the votes to remove me from office at the next full council meeting and intend to do that.

"I see no point dragging this out, I will therefore be sumitting my resignation. I do so under pressure from a voting majority and nothing else.

"I do this with my head held high."

He listed many improvements made in the department since the Ofsted report, including disciplinary procedures against staff - involving one dismissal - a restructuring exercise, and mentoring exercises.

Tory leader Cllr Andrew Cumpsty acknowledged recent improvements, but said: "For many years he has failed the children of Reading in their protection.

"Why was it that we ever got to that position, why was it under his leadership that we were ever at that dangerous and unacceptable level?"

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This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 19 Jan 09

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