Labour members of Haringey Council’s Schools Organisation Committee were left red-faced after Lib Dem councillor Gail Engert successfully opposed the re-appointment of the Labour Executive Member for Children’s Services as chair of the committee.

Cllr Engert, the Lib Dem education spokesperson, objected to the move by Labour members to re-appoint Cllr George Meehan. She objected because of a possible conflict of interest between his role on the Executive and the independence of the committee.

Cllr Engert brought the procedural guidance for School Organisation Committees, which came into force at the beginning of this month, to the committee’s attention.

Labour appeared to be taken unawares by Cllr Engert’s contribution and a flustered Cllr Meehan hastily nominated fellow Labour councillor Judy Bax, who was duly appointed.

Cllr Engert is pleased that her objection was upheld, but is concerned that Labour Executive members did not appear to be aware of the new guidance from the Department of Education and Skills.

Cllr Engert (Muswell Hill) comments: “The issue of a possible conflict of interest was brought up by Lib Dems last year and dismissed by Cllr Meehan. I am delighted that the new guidance has enabled us to clear up this matter.”