Labour councillors have rejected an Argus call for a inquiry into the Brighton child neglect case.

Tory deputy leader John Sheldon asked the policy and resources committee last night to support the call by the Argus for a public inquiry and a review of the law.

But this was turned down 12-9, with Labour councillors voting along party lines.

Liberal Democrat leader Paul Elgood and Green convenor Pete West voted with the Tories, backing calls for an inquiry.

Instead of the inquiry, the committee agreed to a resolution from Labour cabinet social services councillor Jean Spray. This congratulated officers for quickly pressing the Government for a change in the law and agreed to approach the Department of Health to see if there were any aspects of the case that needed further inquiry.

Last month the Argus revealed the shocking case in which three children in the care of a Brighton couple died and others were neglected over a period of five years. Despite many visits by child care workers, the children were not taken away.

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