RENEWED calls have been made for Bradford Council's chief executive to step down following the failings around the tragic case of Keighley tot Star Hobson.

Kersten England ­– appearing before a parliamentary select committee – rebuffed talk of resignation, but said she would "step away" if improvements in children's services weren't made.

However, Keighley MP Robbie Moore says change at the top is needed now.

He added: "Since Kersten England became chief executive in 2015, we have seen a long list of failures.

"When pressed by the select committee on how she could still be in her position with such a poor record of improving one of the most vital services a council is responsible for delivering, the chief executive could not give a substantial answer."

Sixteen-month-old Star was murdered by her mother’s girlfriend, Savannah Brockhill, at her home in September, 2020. Star’s mother, Frankie Smith, 20, was found guilty of causing or allowing the youngster’s death.

A national child safeguarding practice review, commissioned following Star's death and that of six-year-old Solihull youngster Arthur Labinjo-Hughes, found there'd been failings by the authorities.

The select committee grilled both Bradford and Solihull councils.

When asked why she hadn't resigned, Ms England said: "I have thought of resigning and have considered my position. Frequently, I've reflected on all the actions I took and things that could and could not have been done.

"I take responsibility.

"Taking responsibility is all about staying in position and putting it right. Stability in leadership is critical."

She accepted that the pace of improvement since Bradford Council children’s services was rated inadequate in 2018 had been "too slow".

And when questioned about what would happen if she didn't turn things around, she responded: "I’m straining every nerve to get as many social workers recruited and in place as possible. If we cannot turn that around, then I will step away."

Ms England had opened her testimony by expressing her "deep sorrow" at Star's death.

"She should never have had to endure the horrific abuse to which she was subjected," she said. "I apologise unreservedly. We missed key signs.

"The assessments we made of the circumstances in which Star was living were too positive and optimistic about the potential of her mother to care for her."

Committee chair Robert Halfon said that due to “poor staffing and lack of oversight", pivotal moments to save Star and Arthur were missed.