All change in education department
The penultimate piece in Tony Blair’s forced reshuffle has been confirmed with the announcement that Stephen Twigg will become Schools Standards Minister.
His appointment concludes a dramatic 24 hours for the Department of Education, which has seen two of its top politicians moved to other departments.
Following the dramatic resignation of David Blunkett last night, Education Secretary Charles Clarke took up the position of Home Secretary, whilst School Standards Minister David Miliband joined the Cabinet Office.
The moves left a number of teaching unions concerned about the stability in the Education Department, particularly as the is a time of key change. Decisions will soon have to be made on what parts of the Tomlinson Report into 14-19 education to introduce, and preparations for the introduction of top-up universities fees in the next parliament must be made.
PAT general secretary Jean Gemmell said: “We hope that the abrupt removal of two key ministers from the DfES in this chop and change reshuffle will not destabilise or dilute progress in these key measures.
“Charles Clarke has been a strong advocate of the Government’s education reforms and a tough but fair negotiator. David Miliband has been a dedicated, skilful and perceptive minister. They will be hard acts to follow.”
The new line-up in education sees Cabinet, and former Treasury, Minister Ruth Kelly promoted to Secretary of State for Education and Mr Twigg taking up the position of Minister for School Standards.
Mr Twigg has been with the department since June 2002, and was previously the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Schools, with a special focus on London schools, primary education, rural schools and elements like school meals and uniforms.
Commenting on the changes, the NUT – which has had stormy relations with the Government in recent years – said it could be a new start. General secretary Steve Sinnott, said: “Ms Kelly’s appointment and that of the new Minister of State brings new faces and new opportunities for the department. I look forward to meeting her and establishing a positive working relationship and allows the views of the largest teachers’ organisation in the UK to be heard in the department.
“I am writing to Ms Kelly to seek an early meeting.”
Liberal Democrat education spokesman Phil Willis said that he was worried about a vacuum at the head of the department. He said: “Among the main losers in this reshuffle are the nation’s students, teachers and lecturers.
“With huge reforms of schools, colleges, universities and training systems ahead, losing not only the Secretary of State but also the Minister of State at the same time leaves a catastrophic gap.
“Ruth Kelly has no direct experience in the DFES and will take time to settle into her role. At a time when the education system is in a state of perpetual revolution the DFES needs consistent and visionary leadership not a ‘sticking plaster’ until after a general election.”
The ATL appeared less concerned by Ms Kelly’s lack of direct experience, with their general secretary Dr Mary Bousted commenting: “Her meteoric rise through the Labour ranks is testimony to her abilities.
“ATL wants to continue to work in partnership with the Government to raise standards for all pupils. We look forward to meeting Ruth Kelly and getting on with the job together.”
