Liberal Democrat opposition councillors have expressed dismay that leading Labour councillors in Haringey are seeking to cling on to their posts, following the publication of the Laming report. At the full meeting of the council last night, there were no personal apologies from Labour council leader George Meehan, nor was there an offer to resign, despite him being personally criticised by Lord Laming.

Lib Dem councillors also expressed disgust at reports that Labour councillors were whipped and threatened with disciplinary action if they voted against the motion put forward by George Meehan.

Speaking from the Civic Centre, Ron Aitken, Lib Dem social services spokesperson, commented:

“The council has shown tonight that they have not learned their lessons. Individuals, clearly held responsible by Lord Laming in his report, are going to try to cling on to office. It is a dismal spectacle. The matter must not be allowed to rest, and we must have a full debate on all these issues at a special Full Council now being called by the opposition.”