A CRUCIAL independent report to Government ministers about Worcestershire's failing children's services will be ready on June 8 - the same day as the General Election.

Trevor Doughty, the 'troubleshooter' appointed to give ministers a warts-and-all perspective, will hand his dossier in on the same day as the big poll.

It comes despite some councillors assuming that the election would lead to his deadline being pushed back, with speculation rife that a ministerial reshuffle will take place if Theresa May keeps the keys to Downing Street.

As the Worcester News reported earlier this month Mr Doughty, a corporate director for children at Cornwall Council, has been tasked with giving the Government a detailed assessment of the service.

It could lead to Worcestershire County Council's children's services department, which Ofsted graded 'inadequate' in January, being taken over, although the Tory leadership has downplayed that prospect.

Councillor Simon Geraghty, the leader, insists County Hall has "acknowledged the failings" that got the authority into its current position.

He said: ""Are we unique in this situation? Sadly not, there are many councils that have had Ofsted judgements of 'inadequate''.

"What we've got to do is firstly acknowledge the failings very quickly, which we've done.

"It also became apparent that we needed the right leadership team, we needed a permanent director of children's services, we've gone out and got that, and we've got an assistant director.

"I absolutely accept the service is not where we need it to be, but we've got the right people at the top and we will learn from the very best."

He added: "Ofsted will be observing us - they won't be leaving this for years and nor should they."

Labour Councillor Paul Denham, the party's spokesman for children and families, said: "These people have been in power at County Hall for the last 15 years and the service gone backwards.

"They have not been keeping their eye on the ball, that's the fundamental problem."

Mr Doughty's role is to be a 'commissioner' and establish if enough action is being taken to address the failings.

He is being assisted by staff from Cornwall Council, where he earns over £140,000-a-year heading up its own child protection function.