Ealing Lib Dems demand open and transparent scrutiny of Ealing Labour safeguarding failures
Ealing Lib Dems demand specific action on child safeguarding.
Lib Dem Councillors Gary Malcolm, Leader of the Opposition and Adam Keenan, Shadow Spokesperson for Children's Services, have sent an open letter to the Ealing Labour Leader and Portfolio holder to demand more transparency and openness in addressing ongoing failures in safeguarding for “at risk” children. Ofsted highlighted, in particular, those children at risk of domestic or sexual abuse and/or those liable to physical harm or neglect as being especially vulnerable across Ealing borough.
They have asked why Ealing Labour have failed so profoundly to safeguard the vulnerable children of Ealing for the last two years. Ealing Labour have been found to be complacent, doing little or nothing since 2024, the time of the last full Ofsted report, which highlighted many of the same issues. Many Ealing residents are rightly shocked and feel that they have been failed.
Ealing Lib Dems demand that five specific points are addressed by Ealing Labour, including acknowledging the failure of leadership, clear actions, success indicators to demonstrate clear improvements, an unequivocal apology, and finally a full, open and transparent scrutiny process accountable to residents. For a full copy of the letter, see Annex A.
Lib Dem Councillor Adam Keenan, Shadow Spokesperson for Children's Services, said: "I am shocked at the complacency of Ealing Labour leaving vulnerable children at risk for over two years despite being aware of issues raised by Ofsted. Many residents and myself are frankly appalled that little or no progress has occurred in this vital area of safeguarding.
Liberal Democrats say that Ofsted particularly singled out the limited awareness of Ealing Labour Leadership, despite them holding the reins of power for the last 16 years (since 2010). There have been persistent failings in leadership which seem to have been ignored, together with the absence of any clear, transparent and meaningful way forward. This is a far-reaching failure by Ealing Labour negatively impacting the future of some of the most vulnerable children in our community.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
#001 Ofsted Letter outlining safeguarding concerns published on 31 July 2026
https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50308272
#002 Full Ofsted inspection of 2024 which shows that Ealing Labour is failing on “The experiences and progress of children who need help and protection” which is rated as “Requires improvement to be good” https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50252258
#003 Annex A below: Ealing Lib Dem Letter to Ealing Labour Leader and Portfolio holder laying out five minimum actions.
