Walker, who served as the minister for school standards from 2021 to 2022, was one four candidates nominated for the role.
Nominations ran until 15 November after which a vote was held among MPs, with Walker receiving a majority at 228 votes.
The MP for Worcester, who in his candidate statement said he wanted the committee to ‘do more on childcare and the cost pressures facing schools and families’, replaces outgoing chair Robert Halfon who is now skills, apprenticeships and higher education minister at the Department for Education.
Commenting on his appointment, Walker said, ‘Thank you to all colleagues across the House who have supported me, I’ve been honoured to receive the support of some of the people I respect most in Parliament from opposition and Government alike.
‘Nothing can be more important than education, which unlocks opportunity. The work of the Education Select Committee is more relevant and important than ever.
‘I am looking forward to working with the committee on issues such as childcare and the cost of living, to keep up the great work which former Chair Robert Halfon started on attendance, safeguarding, skills, careers and SEN and to hold ministers to account.
‘From childcare settings, through to schools and colleges, apprenticeships and universities, this Committee has a huge range of institutions to look at and people to support, which are relevant in every constituency up and down the country.’
