Watchdog's damning report on White Paper a new blow for Kelly - Davey

10.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 16th Jan 2006

Commenting on the publication of a highly critical response to the Education White Paper by the independent government watchdog the Audit Commission Liberal Democrat Shadow Education Secretary, Edward Davey MP said "This is another huge blow for Ruth Kelly. It will send shockwaves through Downing Street and the DfES. Government plans for schools have been branded unfair, unrealistic and poor value for money."

Mr. Davey further said "Smaller classes, better trained teachers, and a reformed curriculum should be the priorities for improving standards in education. Instead government plans will allow schools to choose pupils and will fail to check the growth in surplus school places which waste tax payers' money. When an independent authoritative body like the Audit Commission finds so many problems with a flagship government policy Ministers must sit up and listen. It's hard to see that Blair's white paper can withstand this level of criticism."