Labour has vowed to do “everything within our power” to ensure no other child suffers the same heartbreaking fate as Preston Davey, who was brutally killed by his adoptive parents.
The 13-month-old died after suffocating on an object forced into his mouth, ending a horrific period of physical, sexual and psychological abuse carried out by his adoptive father, Jamie Varley, a former secondary school teacher.
Varley, 37, was sentenced to life imprisonment at Preston Crown Court last week after subjecting baby Preston to what the court described as “unremitting abuse”, culminating in a final fatal sexual assault.
His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was jailed for 25 years for enabling the abuse and taking part in the sexual offences.
Social workers, nurses and police have all faced criticism over serious failings in the case, with at least eight missed opportunities to identify the abuse and step in.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson had previously pledged to introduce stronger protections through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026.
She described the pair as “evil abusers” and said she was relieved justice had finally been delivered following their sentencing.
In response, Helen Hayes, chair of the education committee, called on ministers to provide a clear timeline for introducing “multi-agency child protection teams in every local authority area”.
The Labour MP for Dulwich and West Norwood said: “Given the serious safeguarding failures in Preston’s case, alongside other recent cases involving children who should have been safe in state care, can the Secretary of State outline when these reforms will be introduced and how soon stronger safeguarding standards will be seen nationwide?”
Ms Phillipson agreed it was a “shocking case” and promised the safeguards in the Act would be rolled out by March.
She added: “Our thoughts remain with everyone who loved and knew Preston. It is right that the evil abusers responsible for these sickening crimes are now behind bars.
“The House can be assured we take this extremely seriously. That is why I have asked independent experts to examine Oldham Council, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and the regional adoption agency to carefully review all concerns raised during this process.”
She confirmed a child safeguarding practice review is now underway, led by the local safeguarding partnership and supported by the national child safeguarding practice review panel to ensure the investigation is thorough.
Suella Braverman said: “Among the many health visitors, social workers and medical staff who saw baby Preston, why did nobody raise the alarm?
“And what action is being taken to protect children currently under the care of Oldham Council?”
Ms Phillipson said updating child protection laws was an “urgent priority” for the Government to ensure every possible step is taken to keep children safe.
“I am glad justice has been served. We cannot bring Preston back, but we can make sure we do everything within our power to prevent this from happening to other children in the future.”
Preston’s grandmother, Debbie Davey, also questioned whether fears of being accused of homophobia affected the judgment of social workers who, she said, failed the child.
Varley was convicted of murder, along with two counts of assault by penetration, five counts of child cruelty, grievous bodily harm, and sexual assault of a child.
He was also found guilty of 13 counts of taking indecent images or videos of a child, one count of distributing an indecent image to McGowan-Fazakerley, and one count of making an indecent image.
Meanwhile, McGowan-Fazakerley was convicted of allowing the death of a child, two counts of child cruelty and one count of sexual assault of a child.
Oldham Council confirmed an independent Child Safeguarding Practice Review is already underway and will examine how Preston’s case was handled.
Adoption Now, which arranged Preston’s adoption, said it follows a “strict and rigorous process” in line with all relevant legislation and guidance when assessing and approving adopters.
