MP James Morris in war of words with Sandwell Council leader Steve Eling after Ofsted findings revealed
MP James Morris today accused Sandwell Council of 'failing to protect' children and families following a damning Ofsted report - but council leader Steve Eling has condemned his 'sniping'.
Ofsted today revealed children's services in Sandwell remain 'inadequate' - three years after inspectors ordered improvements.
But inspectors had highlighted concerns in reports dating back to 2010 about standards in the department.
Mr Morris, who is MP for Halesowen and Rowley Regis, had raised concerns in the House of Commons last Thursday over fears he held over leadership at Sandwell Council.
He called for Sandwell Council leader, Councillor Steve Eling, to resign over allegations of abuse of power, fraud and corruption at the authority, and urged the government to send in commissioners.
Mr Eling called his remarks 'disgraceful' and branded Mr Morris a 'coward' on the BBC's Sunday Politics show yesterday, saying he had no intention of quitting his role.
Today Mr Morris rounded on the council and its leader, saying failures have been exposed.
“Yet again the leadership of Sandwell has completely failed to protect our most vulnerable children and families," he said.
"Just yesterday the Leader of the Council appeared on television to say that all is well in Sandwell, and that external reports found the Council to be run properly.
"Not even a day later an Ofsted report rates the leadership, management and governance as inadequate – this has exposed the Leader as being out of touch with reality and living in a fantasy land.
"While senior councillors are too busy fighting each other over allegations of corruption and bullying, they are taking their eye off one of the most important services they should be providing.
"These issues are not going to be resolved until Councillor Eling does the right thing and resigns. This goes far and beyond politics, this is about the protection and care of our most vulnerable. The situation in Sandwell couldn’t be more serious."
In response, Councillor Eling said: "We fully recognise the problems in children's services. That is why we are working with the Government and other agencies to make improvements.
"I have never once made any attempt to justify the position children's services is in.
"I certainly don't need him [Mr Morris] to be making false accusations. Once again it is just political detritus.
"As a council we are moving forward with changes, while he just stands on the sidelines and snipes.
"He still has not contacted me to discuss any of the issues. It is clear he has no answers to any of the problems and is content to lob hand grenades from behind the barricades."
