The mother of a 13-year-old girl who took her own life in 2023 after her local council failed to provide the support for her severe mental health problems has accused Andy Burnham ’s deputy of trying to “fob off” campaigners over special needs (SEND) reform.

The tragic story of Shelley White’s daughter Eivie was highlighted in prime minister’s questions by Lib Dem Dorking and Horley MP Chris Coghlan where he accused the government of using SEND reforms to downgrade the rights of children further.

It came amid reports that SEND reforms have been delayed until 2027 at the earliest.

First secretary Louise Haigh , who was deputising for the prime minister while he was away at the Commonwealth summit, offered Mr Coghlan a meeting with education secretary Lucy Powell, but Ms White from Maidstone in Kent said this was not enough.

Mr Coghlan has encouraged parents like Ms White to report councils to the police for criminal misconduct where their children have been failed by the system and has compiled 1,253…