Nadhim Zahawi appointed education secretary
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Nadhim Zahawi, a former children's minister, has returned to the Department for Education and promoted to secretary of state for education in Boris Johnson's reshuffle.
Until the appointment, Zahawi has been the minister responsible for the rollout of Covid vaccines as vaccine deployment minister in the Department for Business and Industry.
The MP for Stratford-upon-Avon since 2010, Zahawi replaces Gavin Williamson, the outgoing education secretary who has been sacked by Boris Johnson in today's reshuffle.
Zahawi was made a business minister in July 2019, moving on from his then-job at the Department for Education (DfE) where he had held the post of children's minister under Theresa May since January 2018.
Prior to becoming MP he set up polling organisation YouGov from an office in his garden shed in 2000.
'In response to his appointment Zahawi said, 'Education is a crucial part of our levelling up agenda so it's an honour to be back at the Department for Education as Secretary of State.
'Children and young people have had a tough time during this pandemic and I’ll be listening to them and their families as we accelerate our work to build back better and fairer.
'From my own experience, I know what a beacon of opportunity this country can be and I want all children, young people and adults to have access to a brilliant education, the right qualifications and opportunities to secure good jobs. That’s both vital for them and also our economy and is more important now than ever before.
'I can't wait to get started, working with the amazing teachers and staff in our nurseries, schools, colleges and universities as well as employers and businesses.'
Late on Wednesday it was confirmed that the schools minister Nick Gibb has left the DfE.
On Twitter he said, 'Congratulations to @nadhimzahawi who will do a superb job in building on the reforms of the last ten years. I am sad not to be continuing as Schools Minister. It has been a privilege to play a part in helping improve the life chances of the next generation.'
Sector organisations have welcomed the new education secretary, highlighting his previous experience as children and families minister, where he was responsible for early years and childcare. His portfolio had also included adoption and fostering, children’s social care, special educational needs, safeguarding in schools, disadvantaged pupils, school food, delivery of the 30 hours and social mobility.
Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of NDNA said, 'The new education secretary has a lot on his plate but early education must be a top priority and not an afterthought. Having previously served as the children and families minister he will be well aware of the value of early years and the challenges that providers are facing.
'Parents, nurseries and MPs are all raising concerns about the suitability of current funding and we hope that Nadhim Zahawi can address this in the current Spending Review. Children born now will have their entire early learning shaped by decisions made this autumn.
'The early years sector is full of inspiring educators that work every day to give children the best possible start in life. We want the new education secretary to recognise this and see that, when it comes to investing in children’s future, it is a case of the earlier the better.
'This is a vital time for the early education and childcare sector and we are looking forward to working with Nadhim Zahawi and his ministerial team at the Department for Education. We are clear that the best way to truly deliver on the levelling up agenda is by stopping underfunding and to start building futures.'
Commenting, Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, said, 'We welcome Nadhim Zahawi's appointment as education secretary and look forward to working closely with him in his new role. There is no doubt that he takes over the Department for Education at a critical time, with the Spending Review just weeks away.
'For far too long, the early years has not been given the same respect or recognition as schools, colleges or universities, and this has undoubtedly been reflected in the sustained lack of support – both financial and practical – that the sector has received over recent months and years.
'Given his previous post as early years minister, Mr Zahawi's appointment marks the opportunity for a new approach, one in which the early years is finally recognised and valued as an integral part of the education sector. We hope that he will embrace this opportunity and look forward to working with him in the months to come.'
School leaders' union the NAHT said that a key part of the new education secretary's job would be deliver the Government's education recovery package.
General secretary Paul Whiteman said, 'Earlier this year, the Prime Minister declared that education was his biggest priority in the wake of the pandemic. The crucial task of translating the Government’s rhetoric on education into reality now sits with the new secretary of state.
'Alongside taking proactive measures to minimise disruption to education this winter, one of the most pressing tasks facing Mr Zahawi will be to ensure that the Government now fulfils its promise to deliver a properly funded recovery package so that every pupil in the country receives the support they need and deserve. With the comprehensive spending review only weeks away, there really is no time to waste.
'As always, NAHT stands ready to work with the new secretary of state and his department to ensure that every child receives the very best education possible.'
