Emma Lewell-Buck MP, Labour’s, Shadow Minister for Children and Families, responding to the National Audit Office’s investigation into how the Department for Education identified and managed a potential conflict of interest between the Chief Social Worker for Children and Families and Morning Lane Associates, said:

“This is an extremely concerning report which calls into question the Department for Education’s ability to conduct rigorous checks when making senior appointments. The relationship between the Department for Education and Ms Trowler the former director of Morning Lane Associates is not as transparent as it ought to be – the public deserve better than this.

"In order not to damage public confidence in the handling of such issues, the Department needs to urgently review its procedures and management of potential conflicts of interest.

"The Secretary of State and her Ministers have some ‎serious questions to answer here with regards to how the department conducts its business.”