FORMER children’s services chief Sharon Shoesmith was left suicidal and financially ruined when she was “unlawfully” sacked over the Baby P tragedy, the High Court heard yesterday.
Her lawyers claimed Children’s Secretary Ed Balls sent Ofsted inspectors into Haringey Council, in north London, last November for “political reasons” following the furore about the little boy’s death.
The resulting report led to Ms Shoesmith, 56, being first suspended from office and then dismissed without compensation.
Launching judicial review proceedings against Ofsted, Mr Balls and the council, her barrister James Maurici claimed her dismissal was a “flagrant breach of the rules of natural justice”. “As matters stand, the simple fact is the claimant will never work again. She has been financially ruined and her health has been very seriously affected,” he said.
All three respondents are challenging the claim.
