There are calls for change after internal rows within Thurrock Council resulted in democratically elected councillors being shut out of a major decision on the protection of the borough’s most vulnerable children.

The leader of the Labour Group, Councillor Jane Pothecary, accused council officers of shutting out elected members and forcing through the appointment of a temporary director of children's services - despite councillors voting against it.

The decision means that one of the most important positions in overseeing the care of vulnerable children will be treated as a part-time role because it has been handed to Roger Harris, who is already in charge of adults, housing and health.

“It's bitterly disappointing that we have reached this point,” the Labour leader said.

“Councillors from all parties are angry, and rightly so, that they were forced into a position where they felt pressured into approving a doubling up of a role as crucial as director of children's services with a number of other big areas of responsibility.

“Rather than rubber stamp what we judged to be a bad decision for protecting Thurrock's children, we rejected the proposal.

“Now it has been pushed through using delegated powers for a period of six months. It should never have reached this point. At every turn, democratically elected councillors, who are accountable to the people of Thurrock, were shut out of this decision and treated as an afterthought.”

The breakdown between councillors and the council’s management team was highlighted during a meeting last week where it was revealed that even the Conservative administration had not been informed of plans to reduce the vital position.

Deputy leader Councillor Shane Hebb said the suggestion had been brought to the meeting “under duress” and “democratic oversight has been virtually nil”.

The leader of the Thurrock Independents added: “If the administration had a look at it there would be some accountability. If it went wrong, they would be accountable for it. The problem is, that isn’t going to happen in this case.”

The council has defended imposing the change to children’s services by claiming that it is a statutory requirement and if it was not done it would mean operating illegally. However, no explanation has been given as to why councillors were not consulted by the chief executive.

Conservative Council leader Rob Gledhill was asked whether the administration is taking steps to repair the rift between his administration and the council bosses but he did not respond.