BRADFORD alumnus Gavin Williamson has been named as Education Secretary in the new-look Cabinet put together by new Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Yorkshireman Mr Williamson, who studied Social Sciences at the University of Bradford in the late 1990s, succeeds Damian Hinds in the role.
It is the third senior role the 43-year-old from Scarborough has had, having previously served as Chief Whip - when he famously kept a tarantula on his desk - and Defence Secretary, a role he was sacked from for allegedly leaking confidential information about Chinese firm Huawei’s involvement in the UK’s 5G mobile network, an allegation he denies.
His appointment is part of a raft of changes made by Mr Johnson, with new and old faces coming into a Cabinet with a clear Brexit ideology.
One of the challenges Mr Williamson will face is keeping the promise Mr Johnson made during his leadership campaign of increasing funding for the schools budget, particularly focusing on schools outside London.
Last week, the cross part education select committee said a multi-billion cash injection is needed to address the problems in the education sector.
He also faces calls to cut university tuition fees and increase spending in further education.
Staff at Bradford College in particular have gone on strike numerous times over the past couple of years over pay for college tutors and a lack of investment.
Mike Sherry, chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, said he must address the apprenticeship funding system.
He said: “Unless urgent action is taken now, many small businesses will simply be unable to afford to take on an apprentice, which will only see numbers fall even further.”
Philip Davies, Conservative MP for Shipley, said the new Prime Minister has done a “great job” in assembling his new Cabinet.
He said: “Boris has got people in the Cabinet who are prepared to deliver what he wants, which is common sense to me.
“He’s put together a Cabinet with an intent and desire to get us out of the European Union by October 31 which is the most important thing, so he has done a great job.
“I’m sure Gavin Williamson is going to deliver on the pledge to invest more in schools outside of London, and if he doesn’t he will have me to answer to.
“I will be holding his feet to the fire on that.”
Mr Davies also paid tribute to his fiancée Esther McVey, who has been made Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
“I am delighted she is back in her rightful place around the Cabinet desk,” he added, “but it’s not for me to say what her plans are.”
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