Education rejuvenated in rejig

Young blood was transfused into the education department this week with the appointment of former student leader Stephen Twigg and ex-policy adviser David Miliband.

Mr Twigg, 35, a former president of the National Union of Students, replaced adult skills minister John Healey, while Mr Miliband, 36, former head of the No 10 policy unit, replaced schools standards minister Stephen Timms.

The reshuffle, prompted by transport secretary Stephen Byers's resignation, saw Mr Timms move to trade and industry, while Mr Healey went to the Treasury.

It was unclear as The THES went to press whether Mr Twigg and Mr Miliband would take over the outgoing ministers' portfolios or whether the briefs would be reshuffled.

Mr Twigg may have his work cut out for him if he takes over Mr Healey's brief in its entirety. Mr Healey was the minister forced to shut down individual learning accounts amid allegations of fraud and concerns over massive oversubscription. A replacement scheme is still to be announced.

But as a one-time research assistant to higher education minister Margaret Hodge, Mr Twigg should be among friends.

During last year's general election campaign, Mr Twigg called for the reintroduction of targeted maintenance grants for students. His views will feed into the government's ongoing review of higher education student support.

Mr Twigg's rise to prominence has been rapid, starting with his memorable defeat of Michael Portillo in Enfield Southgate in 1997.

He was a member of the Commons' select committee on education and employment that conducted inquiries into access and student retention.