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By Rachel Lawler

Nadhim Zahawi has been appointed parliamentary under-secretary of state at the Department for Education, following the Robert Goodwill.

 

The Department has yet to confirm the exact remit of Zahawi’s new role, but the MP has that he would be taking over the early years brief, as well as responsibilities for adoption, fostering and social work.

 

Zahawi was elected MP for Stratford-on-Avon in 2010 and previously worked as CEO of YouGov, which he founded with Stephan Shakespeare.

 

Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Alliance, said: “At such a pivotal time for childcare and early education policy - not least in light of the roll-out of the 30 hour offer - now more than ever, the early years sector would have benefited from some continuity and consistency of leadership. As such, it is disappointing that we are losing yet another early years minister after such a short period of time, with this week’s reshuffle resulting in the sector's fifth minister in less than six years.

 

"That said, we of course welcome Mr Zahawi to his new role and look forward to working closely with him as he gets up to speed on his new brief, and supporting him in gaining a full and comprehensive understanding of the views and concerns of early years practitioners and providers.

 

"There is no doubt that now is a particularly challenging time for the early years, and so we hope that Mr Zahawi’s appointment will mark a fresh start and a chance for a new and more collaborative approach between the Department for Education and those in the sector working on the frontline.”