Haringey’s Liberal Democrats expressed regret last night that four Labour councillors, including two directly criticised in the Climbie report, refused to resign their positions.

The Council ruled out of order Lib Dem request for the resignation of Cllrs Adamou, Council Leader Meehan, Deputy Leader Irwin, and Social Services lead member Sulaiman.

Despite the conclusions of Lord Laming, and the moving comments of Victoria Climbie’s parents at the start of the meeting that the council had failed to acknowledge their responsibility, all Labour councillors present voted their confidence in the four councillors.

During the meeting, members of the public walked out when Labour councillor Dennis Dillon said that the council should not “distract ourselves from picking away at the past.” Amidst shout of “go away” by another Labour councillor, the local residents left the council gallery.

Lib Dem Social services spokesman Ron Aitken comments:

“Despite the words of Mr and Mrs Climbie, it is very disappointing that these four councillors have not acknowledged the need for them to step down. Managers have gone, but not a single elected politician has resigned. While we will try to work constructively with Labour to improve children’s services, it makes a fresh start more difficult.”