Phillipson Pledges Safeguarding Overhaul After Preston Davey Murder
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has committed to rolling out new child protection measures by March 2027, following the horrific murder of 13-month-old Preston Davey by his adoptive father. Appearing before the Commons on Monday, Phillipson described the case as “shocking” and vowed to do “everything within our power” to prevent similar tragedies.
Jamie Varley, 37, a former high school teacher, was given a whole-life term for sexually abusing and murdering Preston in July 2023, just four months after the child was adopted. His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was jailed for 25 years for allowing the abuse. The pair were convicted after an eight-week trial at Preston Crown Court.
Phillipson confirmed that new safeguards included in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 will be implemented nationwide by March. She also announced independent reviews into Oldham Council, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, and the regional adoption agency, all of which had contact with Preston before his death.
Teachers Give Phillipson Zero Approval Rating
Meanwhile, the Education Secretary is facing a crisis of confidence among classroom teachers. A poll of over 4,000 members of the National Education Union (NEU), conducted by Deltapoll, found that 0% of teachers think Phillipson is doing a very good job. 72% believe Labour has performed “fairly badly” or “very badly” in education, and only 9% view the Education Secretary positively.
A Labour source pushed back, highlighting that under Phillipson, teachers have received a near 10% pay rise over two years. But the NEU’s leadership remains scathing, accusing Phillipson of failing to address systemic issues in schools and early years settings.
Context: A Government in Transition and a System Under Scrutiny
Phillipson’s pledge comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Labour leader, triggering a leadership contest. Andy Burnham, the front-runner to succeed Starmer, has been a vocal critic of the government’s handling of child protection. The timing adds pressure on Phillipson to deliver tangible reforms before a potential change at the top.
Preston’s case exposes deep failures in multi-agency safeguarding. Despite being seen by “an army of health visitors, social workers, and medics,” as Reform UK education spokeswoman Suella Braverman noted, no one raised the alarm. The government’s promise to establish multi-agency child protection teams in every local authority area is intended to close these gaps.
The Politics of Child Safety
Pressure is mounting on Phillipson from all sides. Helen Hayes, chair of the Education Select Committee, pressed for a clear timeline, citing “serious safeguarding failings in Preston’s case and other recent cases.” Braverman demanded immediate action to protect children currently under Oldham Council’s care.
Phillipson has tasked independent experts with reviewing the agencies involved, and the national child safeguarding practice review is underway. She assured the House the review would be “of the highest quality.”
Perspective: What This Means for Child Protection and Phillipson’s Future
Phillipson’s dual crises — a horrific child murder and a teacher confidence rating of zero — reflect a broader reckoning for Labour’s education policy. While she champions pay rises and legislative safeguards, teachers and child protection experts are demanding faster, more systemic change.
The March 2027 deadline for the new Act’s rollout gives Phillipson a clear target, but implementation will require cooperation from local authorities, health trusts, and schools already stretched thin. The independent reviews into Oldham Council and the NHS Trust could lead to far-reaching reforms — or further indictments of a broken system.
For Phillipson personally, the stakes are high. As Starmer’s successor prepares to take office, her performance will be under intense scrutiny. The coming months will determine whether she can rebuild trust with teachers and deliver the child safety revolution she has promised — or become another casualty of a government in flux.
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