The former social care boss of Telford & Wrekin Council has replaced Sharon Shoesmith after she was suspended over the Baby P scandal.

John Coughlan joined the council in 2001 and left in 2005.

Mr Coughlan was described as a “leading light in social care”.

He was said to have made a “massive contribution” to borough residents as the director of social care.

Mr Coughlan had been director of social care at the council since September 2001.

He left in the summer of 2005 after accepting the position of director of children’s services at Hampshire County Council.

After a 16-page report was released yesterday, children’s secretary Ed Balls used his powers to remove Sharon Shoesmith and replace her with Mr Coughlan.

Haringey Council’s leader, George Meehan, and cabinet member for children and young people Liz Santry resigned.

When Mr Coughlan left his job in Telford, chief executive at the time Michael Frater said: “It is a real credit to John that he has been offered such a big job in a large and successful local authority.

“John has an outstanding personal and professional reputation amongst his peers and in Government. He has made a massive contribution to adult and children’s services in Telford & Wrekin and he will be greatly missed.”

At the time Mr Coughlan said he was looking forward to taking up the new challenge at Hampshire.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for me personally but it will be a great wrench to leave Telford & Wrekin,” he said. “The officers and members here have earned their reputation for excellence and it has been a privilege to work with them for this community.”

A spokeswoman for Telford and Wrekin Council confirmed Mr Coughlan worked at the council and said they were aware he had been appointed in Haringey.