4Children’s chief executive ‘preferred candidate’ for children’s commissioner

Ms Longfield will go before the Education Select Committee on Tuesday (11 November), before her likely appointment as the new children’s commissioner by the secretary of state later in the month, taking over from Maggie Atkinson.

Ms Atkinson's term as children's commissioner for England will end on 28 February 2015.

In a letter sent to Graham Stuart, chair of the Education Select Committee, the secretary of state for education Nicky Morgan states that Anne Longfield has emerged as the ‘strongest candidate for the position following an independent and rigorous recruitment exercise’.

Ms Longfield said, 'I am delighted to have been selected as the preferred candidate for the post of children’s commissioner for England. It is a crucial role with the potential to make a huge impact for some of the most vulnerable children in England.  I have been privileged to work for 4Children for over two decades and am immensely proud of the fantastic work and real difference this life-changing organisation has achieved.'

Pip O'Byrne, chair of trustees at 4Children, said, 'We are delighted that Anne is the preferred candidate for the role of children’s commissioner for England. Anne has been an inspiring leader of 4Children for 20 years and has made an huge difference to the lives of children and families across the country. We will miss her greatly but know she will have a huge impact in further improving the lives of children.'

A Department for Education spokesperson said, 'The secretary of state for education has written to the Education Select Committee to inform them of her preferred candidate for the post of Children's Commissioner. The appointment will now be considered by the Committee.'