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A row has broken out in England over the appointment of a new children's commissioner, with some questioning the nominee's independence and willingness to challenge the government on critical issues. Former head of children's services in Gateshead, Maggie Atkinson was nominated by UK government Children's Secretary Ed Balls to take up the post. But a committee of parliamentarians unanimously tried to block the nomination, arguing Atkinson was ill-equipped to campaign on important issues. With a background in management and policy, but little or no campaigning or lobbying experience, the committee concluded: “While we are satisfied that Maggie Atkinson demonstrated a high degree of professional competence, we feel unable to endorse her appointment, as we would like to have seen more sign of determination to assert the independence of the role, to challenge the status quo on children’s behalf and to stretch the remit of the post, in particular by championing children’s rights.” Child rights advocates have questioned the mandate of the English commissioner, rather than the merits of the specific appointment. Dr Mike Lindsay, national coordinator of the Child Rights Alliance for England (CRAE), said: “Children in England have a Commissioner with weaker powers than the rest of the UK and also others internationally and the role is not compliant with international rules governing independent human rights institutions. “The role of the Children’s Commissioner must reflect what children in England deserve – not what the Secretary of State wants. We welcome the involvement of children and young people in the recruitment process; however, until the Government gets the powers of the post right, the children of England will not have a Commissioner who can promote their rights and interests as effectively as possible.” Given the powerful role of the State in both furthering and potentially violating the rights of children, a children's commissioner must be able to challenge government policies and decisions, and campaign on important issues, without fear of recrimination. The UN has published guidelines, called the 'Paris Principles', on human rights commissioners, including clauses laying out stringent conditions for their independence from governement. Read them here Nonetheless, some children's charities have defended the nomination. “Maggie is an excellent choice and will fearlessly and independently promote the interests of children in England. This verdict [of the committee] beggars belief,” said, Martin Narey, the chief executive of Barnardo's. Dr Atkinson taught English and drama for 10 years before moving into a national training and advisory role on the national curriculum in the late 1980s. She became director of children's services in Gateshead in 2003. She was president of the Association of Directors of Children's Services until March 2008, and is currently chair of the National Expert Group on the Children's Workforce and national chair for the new Centre of Excellence in Outcomes. Mr Balls said he intends to push through the appointment, regardless of the committee's judgement. Professor Sir Al Aynsley-Green's five-year appointment as England’s first Children’s Commissioner finishes at the end of February [Sources: The Times, the BBC, CRAE] Further information