Schools boss 'devastated'

Telford's education chief Christine Davies was today said to be "devastated" after being suspended from her job. Friends and colleagues said they were shocked by the suspension.

Mrs Davies, pictured, corporate director for children and young people in Telford & Wrekin, who has won national accolades for her work, has made no public comment since her suspension was revealed on Friday.

Telford & Wrekin Council chiefs said the suspension was a "precautionary measure" and did not necessarily imply any wrongdoing.

Katie Foster, who knows Mrs Davies after working for the Local Strategic Partnership, one of the council's partners, and as vice-chairman of Newport Girls' High School governors, said she was "completely astounded" by the move.

She said: "I know her to be a person of complete integrity. She is a true professional with nothing but the best intentions for the council and for her own directorate . . . She is only interested in the good of children and young people - not in the politics. She is utterly devastated by it.

"I imagine there isn't a person in education and in local government who won't have heard about it, and who won't be thinking, like me, what on earth is going on?"

Ray Hoof, chairman of Telford & Wrekin Mencap, said: "I'm absolutely shocked and astounded . . . I feel totally supportive of her as she has been a valued member of anything I've been involved in."

Telford MP David Wright gave his backing to the top officer and said: "This is an internal matter for the council but Christine Davies has been an outstanding education officer for Telford & Wrekin."

An independent investigation is taking place.

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