Cackhanded Liz Truss is under fire over claims she appointed an American academic as a senior adviser without checking his immigration status.
Social Mobility commissioner Rob Anderson quit the four year post this month because his right to work in the UK runs out in January.
Ms Truss announced the decision to give him the job along with six other commissioners five days before she became the shortest lasting PM in history.
The Social Mobility Commission which promotes better life outcomes for those born poor answered to Mr Truss in her role as Equalities minister.
And her cock-up was only revealed when Social Mobility chair Katherine Birbalsingh admitted the mistake while giving evidence to the Commons Women and Equalities Committee.
She said: “One of the commissioners has gone because he couldn’t work in Britain. It was a bit odd that happened.”
But she insisted her role was to make recommendations on new commissioners to Ms Truss and it was for the minister to check work permits were in order.
Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary Anneliese Dodds said: “We all know from her kamikaze budget that attention to detail hasn’t always been Liz Truss ’s strongest suit.
“But to not check government appointees’ right to work in the UK takes the biscuit.”
Dr Henderson grew up in Californian foster homes and worked as a dishwasher and supermarket bagger before joining the USAF.
He has since taken psychology degrees including a PhD at Cambridge University and is a renowned social mobility expert in America.
Ms Truss bigged up her new commissioners when announcing them on September 1 on the government’s website.
She said: “These appointments are a positive step forward for equality in this country.
“Their combined expertise will help the SMC to carry out its important work to ensure a person’s circumstances of birth do not determine outcomes in life.”
The website was amended the day of the Equalities committee hearing to say Dr Henderson had stepped down for “personal reasons”.
But Ms Truss was also under attack for appointing too many Tories to the post worth £250 for each day’s work.
They include ex-Tory minister Rob Wilson and former Tory parliamentary candidates Resham Kotecha and Ryan Henson.
Ms Dodds added: “If the Conservatives want to convince people they take social mobility seriously they could start by appointing some serious people - not just Conservative activists and former MPs.”
Cabinet Office insiders say that Dr Henderson successfully applied for the job and it was assumed his right to work would be extended. He will now be returning to America.
A Government Equality Hub spokesman said:
“All candidates for public appointments are subject to background checks.
“Mr Henderson stepped down from his role after a change in his personal circumstances.”
The quango was set up by Labour in 2010 as the Child Poverty Commission and Tory PM David Cameron changed its name to the Social Mobility Commission in 2015.
Ms Truss and Dr Henderson were approached for comment.
