"Independent" schools' education panel choice under fire - Geethika Jayatilka is suitable for role say Labour

Published: 14 April 2011
by RICHARD OSLEY

LABOUR chiefs have appointed an “independent” panel to investigate what people want from Camden’s schools.

But almost immediately after announcing the new project, they came under fire for hiring a former Labour councillor, Geethika Jayatilka, as a panel member. 

Opposition councillors questioned how the new Education Commission could fairly claim to be independent with Ms Jayatilka on board.

Labour deputy leader Councillor Angela Mason, who revealed the plans for the commission at Monday’s full council meeting, said: “I think ill of it being made an issue because Geethika is well qualified for the job. She has two young children and knows the issues that Camden faces. She will do a very good job.”

Ms Jayatilka, who is the wife of former council leader Raj Chada, spent eight years as a councillor. The other two members of the commission are Professor Geoff Whitty, former chairman of the Institute of Education, and its chairman Sir Mike Tomlinson CBE.

Cllr Mason said: “The commission will reflect the fact that the traditional relationship between local authorities and schools is changing due to the government changing the legal framework. There are now academies and free schools, and we have to ask our schools: what do they want from us as a council?”

Privately, some opposition councillors feel the commission, which will hold public meetings, will be a chance for Labour to keep education in the headlines. It is an area where the party in power believe they can take the high ground since Education Secretary Michael Gove withdrew millions of pounds previously earmarked to renovate Camden's schools. The commission will be publishing its findings in the autumn.

Conservative councillor Andrew Mennear said: “We are not being told what they will be looking at. Education is a big issue. We would want them to look at admissions and how Camden schools can achieve improved grades for pupils.”

Liberal Democrat leader Councillor Keith Moffitt said: “It does not strike me as being independent and from the outset its work will be fatally undermined.”