Bully for you, Mr Balls.

WHATEVER the truth of allegations that schools secretary Ed Balls is "a bit of a bully", the nation's children should be grateful that he was strong enough to act on their behalf yesterday.

He was right to shrug aside the objections of a committee of MPs and confirm that Maggie Atkinson will be the next children's commissioner, a post she is eminently qualified to carry out.

As for committee members keen to reverse the erosion of parliament's power, they'd be wise to use tactics that do not adversely impact on children.