Commenting on the news of the guilty verdict for the murder case of Pembrokeshire toddler Lola James by her mother’s partner and caused/allowed by her mother, Welsh Conservatives are calling for a review of child services in Wales.

Shadow Minister for Social Services, Gareth Davies MS said:

“The death of Lola James was an incredible tragedy, it is extremely saddening to read news of children so neglected or abused by their caregivers that they lose their lives. This happens far too often in Wales. 

“In the light of other tragic, high-profile cases such as Logan Mwangi and Kaylea Titford, the Labour Government can no longer standby and dither. Welsh Conservatives have been calling for a comprehensive, all-encompassing child services review for time immemorial, while Labour have refused to consider one.

“England, Scotland and Northern Ireland have carried out such reviews - Wales is still the only part of the UK that has not. The Labour Government need to announce one immediately, to get some answers, make necessary changes and take action to save lives.”

The comment follows a call from NSPCC Cymru to make child protection a national priority:

“The Welsh government has rightly committed to transforming children’s social care and it’s crucial this leads to systemic changes that ensure children like Lola are better protected.”

Thirty-one-year-old Kyle Bevan was found guilty of murdering of his partner's daughter, Lola James, in Haverfordwest; whilst Lola’s mother, Sinead James, of Neyland was found guilty of causing or allowing the toddler's death after a trial at Swansea Crown Court. Click here for the full story.