An under-fire council boss has been moved from his post as head of children's services.

The move follows a torrid year for Coun John Warmisham who was in charge of schools and children's social services in Salford.

The department has endured a series of high-profile crises.

But Councillor Warmisham, who will now take over adult social services, today insisted the switch was not a result of his 'difficult' year.

He was in charge when a a damning report into the death of a two-year-old girl highlighted failures by the council last year. Demi Leigh Mahon was killed by babysitter Karl McCluney, 15.

Social workers had been warned a dozen times by police, neighbours and the child's grandmother of the toddler's chaotic life, and that her mother was on drugs and could not cope.

After announcing that no one from social services would be disciplined over the case, the Strategic Director of Children's Services, Jill Baker, was herself sacked for gross misconduct.

She is taking the council to an employment tribunal later this year to clear her name and it is likely that Coun Warmisham will be called to give evidence.

The department was also criticised by Ofsted and last year the council was ordered by the government to take urgent action over 'inadequate' support for children living in the community but at risk of neglect.

The council also lost a three-year battle over its plans to close St George's RC High School in Walkden as part of a shake-up of secondary education.

The school's adjudicator ruled it should remain open – causing the council to re-draw its plans for rebuilding some secondary schools.
Coun Warmisham, who was re-elected to his Langworthy seat in the local elections, denied the reshuffle was a reflection on his performance and said he was ready for a new challenge.

But he did admit that it had been a 'difficult' year at the council.

He said: “I don't think it was a reflection on the last year.

“It has been a difficult time at the department and there is a lot going on.

“I've got experience in adult services and I work in that field so I understand some of the big issues.

“Adult social services is one of the biggest portfolios and it will be a new challenge for me.”

But opposition councillors say they believe he should have been removed from cabinet altogether.

Councillor Norman Owen, leader of the Liberal Democrat group in Salford, said: “The leader of the council should not be bestowing a cabinet post on Councillor Warmisham.

“His record is one of failure and he has let down his department.”

Coun Karen Garrido, leader of Salford's opposition Tory group, said: “I cannot believe Coun Warmisham has not been removed from the cabinet. He has made a hash of every job he has had on the council.”

The cabinet reshuffle will take effect from full council next week.

The full list of cabinet members is: Councillor Warmisham, adult social care; Councillor Morris, children's services; Councillor Lancaster, community safety and asset management; Councillor Warner, culture and leisure; Councillor Bill Hinds, customer and support services; Councillor Joe Murphy, environment.

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