Greenwich Council has refused to explain why its deputy leader has been replaced as cabinet member for children's services.

Councillor John Fahy has been quietly replaced by Miranda Williams, the Labour councillor for Charlton.

Despite Coun Fahy being an elected representative, the council has chosen not to comment on what it calls "internal matters".

A spokesman for the council told News Shopper: "These are internal matters and we are not in a position to comment."

Over the past week the council has changed the cabinet section on its website, choosing not to make any public announcement to taxpayers.

News Shopper:

The new list of Greenwich Council cabinet members as coun. Fahy is replaced.

News Shopper understands Coun Fahy was 'sacked' from his position rather than resigning of his own accord, but when asked Greenwich Council failed to provide any confirmation.

Similary when contacted by News Shopper, Coun Fahy chose to make no comment.

In equal secrecy, despite changing her Twitter bigography to include her new title, Coun Williams has made no mention or announcement of her promotion.

Greenwich Conservatives leader Matt Hartley has slammed the council over its lack of openness.

He told News Shopper: "The cabinet member for children’s services is one of the most important jobs in the borough.

"Any change in the role should be announced publicly, not sneaked out on a rarely-visited webpage in the hope that no-one will notice.

"Residents will rightly wonder what on earth is going on in the Greenwich Labour Party."

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In 2013 Coun Fahy was the victim of a sweary voicemail left on his phone from former Greenwich Council leader Chris Roberts.

In the rant, obtained by News Shopper, the leader threatens to remove Coun Fahy's cabinet portfolio.

The leaked voicemail sparked accusations of bullying by Mr Roberts, who stepped down from his position in April last year after months of controversy.

Coun Fahy remains in his cabinet position as deputy leader which is elected by the Labour council group. 

COUNCIL UPDATE:

Several hours after News Shopper reported the council's refusal to comment on why Coun Fahy has been replaced, the authority released a statement saying council leader Councillor Denise Hyland has carried out a "mini reshuffle" of the cabinet.

Coun Hyland said: “We are now almost halfway through this administration and we are successfully delivering a programme of service improvement alongside major regeneration that is bringing new opportunities for local residents.

“I have decided that this is the right time to carry out a mini shuffle in order to take forward our programme and to build on the achievements of the past 18 months.”