Chesterfield MP calls for full investigation into the handling of Finley Boden case – as 'families failed by over-stretched Derbyshire Children’s Services'

Mr Perkins said he has written to Derbyshire Children’s Services on behalf of constituents on numerous occasions.

He believes the investigation needs to look into what resources are being provided, what the workload is, what the culture of accountability is and what leadership is being provided.

He said: “The chilling barbarism that led to little Finley’s appalling murder has been laid bare during this case which will send shockwaves around Chesterfield and across the world.

“The heartbreak and fury that people feel at a tragic life cut short will only be exacerbated by the news that Finley was known to Social Services but that his evil parents had managed to prevent Social workers from accessing him on several occasions.

“It is right that a full investigation into the handling of this case should take place. I see at my weekly surgeries how stretched Derbyshire children’s services are and regularly have to write to them on behalf of constituents about the support given to parents and families.

“It is a considerable concern that there will be other children and families failed by an over-stretched service, but alongside the lessons that must be learnt, in the fullness of time there must also be accountability for everyone involved in providing these services, not just a hunt for a single scapegoat.

"Only a full, transparent and independent inquiry will provide reassurance that the required steps are being taken to protect other children in Derbyshire.”