While I probably don’t share much political common ground
with Tim Loughton, the Conservative MP who has just lost his job as Children’s
Minister in David Cameron’s government reshuffle, I do feel a sense of shock
that some-one who has such a firm and sensible grasp of his brief should have
been brushed aside.
In his role as Children’s Minister, Tim Loughton not only understood a
range of complex issues, but he was an extremely good listener. By far the most
sensible Children’s Minister to date, he will be sorely missed from this role.
Tim was instrumental in getting rid of ContactPoint. He
oversaw the Munro Review and has been involved in implementing its sensible
recommendations. He has always demonstrated a good understanding of the perspectives
of social workers and other front line practitioners; and, more importantly, of
the needs and aspirations of children and young people.
I sincerely hope that at some future time his knowledge of
children’s policy, his commitment and his balanced and systematic approach,
will be made use of in government again.
Whoever steps into his shoes (not announced at the time of writing) will face a huge challenge to do this very difficult job as well as Tim has done.
Whoever steps into his shoes (not announced at the time of writing) will face a huge challenge to do this very difficult job as well as Tim has done.
