Oxford councillor quits Labour Party over damning SEND probe

The intervention by Iffley Fields county councillor Damian Haywood, whose son Matias has rare genetic disorder Cri-du-chat syndrome, came after a damning inspection of Oxfordshire County Council’s special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) earlier this month.

The joint Ofsted and CQC report identified systemic failings across organisations meant to support SEND children and their families.

Parents have already called on Cllr Liz Brighouse to stand down as county council cabinet member for children and youth services.

And speaking to the Oxford Mail earlier today (September 23), Cllr Haywood added his voice to those urging Cllr Brighouse to go.

Speaking after his resignation from the Labour Group, which runs the council in coalition with Liberal Democrat and Green parties, he said of the damning joint Ofsted and CQC report: “I know a lot of parents, I know a lot of teachers. A lot of them are saying it is absolutely nonsensical; someone needs to resign over this, someone needs to openly apologise and neither has been forthcoming.”

Cllr Damian Haywood, centre, with son Matias, campaigned on school transport provision before being elected as a councillor Picture: Oxford Mail (Image: Oxford Mail)

The councillor, who originally stood for election after campaigning on SEND school transport, added: “The Labour Party, Lib Dems and Greens, we have been in coalition for the last two-and-a-half years and things have not changed. And things have got significantly worse.

“On that basis it is only right someone should resign.”

He said the ‘failure of the system’ included ‘all councillors, all members of the system in Oxfordshire’. “We have been in the administration for two-and-a-half years and things have not got any better.”

Cllr Haywood added of his former colleague on the Labour benches Cllr Brighouse: “She has been in this position for two-and-a-half years.

“If I was in the position for two-and-a-half years, I would like to think I would have seen improvements. But if I hadn’t done and this report came out, I would be the first to resign.

“She absolutely does not have the will of the community and the confidence of the community to take this forward.

“It’s beyond ridiculous that she thinks she can.”

Cllr Damian Haywood, file image Picture: Oxford Mail (Image: Oxford Mail)

The Iffley Fields councillor posted his excoriating resignation letter on Twitter on Saturday morning. Addressed to Cllr Brighouse and copied to East Oxford MP Anneliese Dodds, he wrote: “The fundamental failure of the party to address adequately the concerns identified regarding SEND leadership comes into conflict with my values and morals.

“The party’s behaviour is self-serving and contrary to the needs of my constituents, Oxfordshire residents and most importantly the children in this report who have been failed.”

A statement... pic.twitter.com/aNPNdwVO5O

— Cllr Damian Haywood 💙 (@bigdamo) September 23, 2023

Cllr Haywood, who was reinstated by the Labour Party this month after a six-month suspension for expressing his support for a Liberal Democrat by-election candidate in Shropshire, said he would continue to represent the Iffley Fields and St Mary’s ward as an independent councillor.

He said he would be ‘forever grateful’ to those in the Labour Party who had supported him.

Following the defection of her erstwhile colleague, Cllr Brighouse said in a statement: “We are disappointed by Cllr Haywood’s resignation but disagree with his comments.

“The Labour Group understands the challenges facing SEND provision and continues to work hard to support children and their families.

“Previously we secured extra funding for SEND and fought to save transport for SEND parents when it was under threat. We recognise there is still more to do and believe the whole administration should be working together towards that aim.

Cllr Liz Brighouse, leader of the Labour Group and cabinet member for children's services Picture: Oxford Mail (Image: Oxford Mail)

“After more than a decade of Government cuts, councils and health providers are left trying to fix the challenges in SEND provision with their hands tied behind their backs.

“We urge the Government to address their funding failure and give councils the resources needed to drive up standards in local services across the country.”

Oxfordshire County Council leader Cllr Liz Leffman said:” I applaud Cllr Haywood for his brave and principled stand on behalf of children with SEND and their parents.

“We will address the failings in SEND services which, over many years, have let down children and families in Oxfordshire.

“As [council] leader, I will ensure we make the changes which will allow us to focus on this as a priority.”

Oxfordshire County Council leader Liz Leffman Picture: Oxford Mail (Image: Oxford Mail)

Last week, Oxfordshire Send Parent Action, a collection of 90 parents, wrote to Cllr Leffman calling for Cllr Brighouse’s resignation.

“We do not consider it credible or tenable that stability, good governance and effective scrutiny can happen at OCC without a change in leadership,” a spokesperson for the group said.