News, Politics

Williamson stays on as education secretary, but must replace his two top advisers

Gavin Williamson has returned to work at the Department for Education after his party won a majority at last week’s election.

The education secretary is expected to continue in the role until at least next February, when a wider cabinet reshuffle is anticipated.

As before the election, Williamson has overall responsibility for early years, teacher pay, school curriculum and improvement and academies.

However, the education secretary is currently without special advisers.

Richard Holden, his former media adviser, became an MP at the election, winning the seat of North West Durham from Labour.

Schools Week has also learned that Katharine Howell, Williamson’s former policy SpAd, has not returned to her job at the DfE following the election.

Elsewhere in the department, Nick Gibb remains in post as schools minister, with responsibility for teacher recruitment and retention, admissions, school funding, curriculum and qualifications, primary testing, school accountability, children’s mental health and behaviour.

Michelle Donelan continues to act as children’s minister while Kemi Badenoch is on maternity leave.

Lord Agnew is still the academies minister.

Boris Johnson has come under fire this week after the former education secretary Nicky Morgan was given a seat in the House of Lords and allowed to continue serving as culture secretary.

Morgan, who had previously said she would not serve under Johnson but accepted a cabinet job in July, stood down from the House of Commons at last week’s election.

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