No response to academy plea

Jul 5 2008 by Paul James, The Journal

EDUCATION bosses who called for the removal of controversial Tory peer Lord Laidlaw as sponsor of Newcastle’s new academy school are still waiting for a reply from the Government.

More than two months after the tax exile’s admission he was addicted to sex, the Department for Children, Schools and Families is yet to respond to the pleas of Newcastle City Council.

Despite assurances he would have no day-to-day involvement in the running of the Excelsior Academy, which will replace West Gate Community College in September, the council wanted to break “any last links”.

Yesterday council chiefs moved once more to reassure parents whose children will attend the school that the issue will have no impact on its opening for the new school year. The Government’s explanation for the lack of response was that its priority was to prepare for the September opening.

In 2005 Lord Laidlaw was appointed sponsor of the new school by the Government, and the council has no powers to remove him from that position. He paid £2m to sponsor the school out of its total £38m cost.

Lord Laidlaw, a Scottish millionaire who made his fortune in a conference business, responded to reports that he had paid for groups of prostitutes to fly to Monte Carlo by admitting he had an incurable addiction to sex.

His continued role has been defended by some, including Newcastle’s Labour MP Jim Cousins, who said removing him would oblige the Government to find a new £2m sponsor.

A council spokesman said: “In light of Lord Laidlaw’s admissions, we wrote to the Department for Children, Schools and Families to request that the Government explore finding an alternative sponsor for the Excelsior Academy, but we have not received a formal response from them.

“Lord Laidlaw’s sponsorship of the academy is something that was negotiated with the Government, not with the council.

“Any ongoing relationship that he might continue to have is something that the council cannot simply terminate, as this is a matter for the Government.

“Lord Laidlaw will have no personal direct role in the day-to-day running of the academy since this will lie with the governing body and the staff, and we can assure parents that this issue will have no impact whatsoever on the opening of the Excelsior Academy in September.”

The Journal was unable to reach Lord Laidlaw for comment yesterday. He has previously said he was seeking long-term help to avoid relapsing into “unacceptable behaviours” and had the support of his wife Christine.

Yesterday A DCSF spokesperson said: “Our priority is to support the governing body and staff as they prepare for the opening of the new academy.

“We are confident that Excelsior Academy will open successfully and will be popular with parents and pupils.”