Ed Balls attacks Sharon Shoesmith payout A six-figure payout to the ex-head of Haringey children's services has been criticised by shadow chancellor Ed Balls. Mr Balls decided to remove Sharon Shoesmith from her position when he was children's secretary in 2008 after a damning report into the death of Baby Peter Connelly. She won a ruling three years that said she had been unfairly sacked and could now receive a pay off of up to £600,000.