James Cleverly has been named as the Westminster government’s third education secretary in three days, as Boris Johnson appointed a new Cabinet to see out whatever remains of his premiership.
Mr Cleverly, formerly a minister in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, was promoted after Michelle Donelan’s resignation presaged Mr Johnson’s own announcement that he would step down as prime minister later this year.
Ms Donelan had been promoted from her previous position as higher education minister less than 36 hours earlier, after Nadhim Zahawi was picked to replace Rishi Sunak as chancellor of the Exchequer.
How long Mr Cleverly might hold office remained unclear following Mr Johnson’s announcement that he would step down once a new Conservative leader has been chosen.
The MP for Braintree, a close ally of Mr Johnson, has previously served as chair of the Conservative Party, minister without portfolio, and as a minister in the Department for Exiting the European Union. He has a degree in hospitality management from Thames Valley University (now the University of West London), and he served in the Territorial Army and worked in publishing before entering politics.
His appointment comes at a critical time for the higher education sector, shortly before A-level results day and as a campus free speech bill moves through Parliament. Institutions are also awaiting the outcomes of consultations on the potential introduction of minimum entry requirements and student numbers caps in the English sector, although these may now be delayed.
Speaking following his appointment, Mr Cleverly said he was “incredibly passionate about education and proud to be appointed secretary of state”.
“From childcare and exams results, to our Schools White Paper, T levels and the rest of our revolutionary skills agenda, we have a huge amount of work to do, and I am looking forward to getting on with the job. That means ensuring children, young people and their families continue to be supported – they have my full commitment,” Mr Cleverly said.
“I look forward to engaging with our brilliant nurseries, social workers, schools, colleges, universities and all the staff working across these sectors to realise people’s potential – whatever their backgrounds or wherever they come from.”
Elsewhere, Kwasi Kwarteng remains in post as business secretary, and the university sector will be watching closely to see who will fill the key posts of higher education minister and, following George Freeman’s resignation shortly before Ms Donelan’s, science minister.
Greg Clark, a former universities minister and business secretary, who chaired the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee, has returned to the Cabinet as secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities.
Writing on Twitter, Mr Clark said his party had “a duty to ensure that the country has a functioning government in the weeks ahead”.
“I will do my best to provide stability, good governance and accountability to Parliament at this important time,” he said.
