MPs’ adviser trained Haringey on media

A media consultant involved in MPs' expenses scandal was paid £5,000 by Haringey council officials to advise them on their disastrous public response to the death of Baby P.

Scarlett MccGwire was hired by Harriet Harman, Ed Miliband and Douglas Alexander for consultancy services including writing speeches at a cost of £20,000 to the taxpayer between 2005 and 2007.

She was also brought in by Haringey last year to give officials, including former director of children's services Sharon Shoesmith, training to support them in dealing with the media. The council was savagely criticised for its response to the fall-out over the death of Baby Peter.

Ms Shoesmith refused to apologise and was later sacked in disgrace. Three council managers and a social worker were also dismissed for their alleged failure to save the life of the 17-month-old boy who died on August 3 2007 at his north London home after suffering months of abuse.

Haringey council today confirmed that Ms MccGwire had been hired in a PR role. Ms MccGwire refused to answer questions last night at her home in Tufnell Park on her employment by the MPs and Haringey council.