Social mobility tsar quits over 'baggage'

A GOVERNMENT social mobility tsar has quit her role, citing the fact that she comes with "too much baggage" and was doing "more harm than good".

Katharine Birbalsingh, who was appointed chair of the Social Mobility Commission in 2021, said that some of her "controversial" statements had put the commission in "jeopardy", leaving her with little choice but to step down.

Equalities minister Kemi Badenoch said Alun Francis, the principal of Oldham College and deputy chair of the commission, would take on the role on an interim basis.

Ms Badenoch praised Ms Birbalsingh, thanking her for "successfully giving the organisation a strong sense of direction and purpose" Ms Birbalsingh, who set up the highachieving Michaela Community School in Brent, announced her departure in an article for Schools Week.