Downing Street was not able to confirm who her replacement will be at the Department for Education and it is unclear whether or not the post will remain the same, or whether there will any more ministerial appointments to the team.
On Twitter Ms Dinenage said, ‘Excited for new challenges @DWP but will miss all my great friends at @WomenEqualities & @educationgovuk.’
The MP for Gosport, Stubbington, Lee on the Solent and Hill Head has been appointed a junior minister as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
Ms Dinenage had been early years minister for less than a year, replacing Sam Gymiah last July.
Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of the National Day Nurseries Association, said, ‘We wish Caroline Dinenage well for her new role at the Department of Work and Pensions and look forward to meeting the new Childcare Minister when they are appointed. The urgent matter of funding for 30 hours, of course, will be the sector's first priority for the new minister's attention.’
The @SaveOur EarlyYrs account tweeted’ @cj_dinenage leaves @educationgovuk to be @DWP Minister. Thank you for your time in early years inc axing GCSE-only policy @JulieHydeCACHE’.
Ms Dinenage replaces Caroline Nokes who has moved to the cabinet Office. Ms Nokes congratulated her replacement on Twitter. ‘Congrats to @cj_dinenage on her new role @DWP - she inherits a great team there! I am excited to take on new challenge @cabinetofficeuk.’
On Monday MPs Anne Milton and Robert Goodwill were appointed to the Department for Education, but their briefs have not yet been confirmed.
Theresa May has sacked Robert Halfon, the apprenticeships and skills minister.
Former children’s minister Edward Timpson lost his seat in the general election.
Liz Truss, who was education and childcare minister between 2012 and 2014, has been appointed Chief Secretary to the Treasury, where she could take on responsibility for Tax-Free Childcare.
