Shadow early years minister named in Labour reshuffle

The MP for Hampstead and Kilburn was elected in the 2015 general election. Before becoming an MP, she previously worked as a Camden councillor and for Amnesty International and Save the Children, where she worked on issues related to human trafficking and modern-day slavery.

On her website, Ms Siddiq said, 'I am honoured to have been appointed as the shadow minister for early years education.

'I am joining an excellent team, led by Angela Rayner MP, and relish the opportunity to hold the Government to account from the frontbench.

'Since being elected to Parliament in May 2015, countless constituents have expressed serious concerns over the Government’s early years agenda.

'Whether it is the new funding formula, the promise of 30 hours free childcare per week or the closure of Sure Start centres, local residents deserve a robust defence of their children's futures. I look forward to delivering it.'

The shadow education team is headed by Angela Rayner, MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, who  is shadow education secretary.

Emma Lewell-Buck MP, the Labour MP for South Shields has been named as shadow minister for children and families and will shadow Edward Timpson.

Former primary school teacher Mike Kane, MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East, has been made shadow schools minister, opposite Nick Gibb, minister for school standards.

Gordon Marsden, MP for Blackpool South, remains shadow minister for higher and further education and skills.

The shadow education secretary tweeted

Mr Corbyn said, ‘I am pleased to announce the appointment of twenty-one MPs to our frontbench, fourteen of whom are women and four of whom are from the black and minority ethnic community.

‘I welcome back the ten who have returned, and look forward to working with the eight talented MPs joining the frontbench for the first time.’

Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of NDNA, said, 'We are delighted to welcome the new shadow early years minister, Tulip Siddiq.

'This role is of particular importance at this crucial time for the sector when the early implementer pilots are testing out 30 hours free childcare for eligible three and four year olds. We look forward to working with Ms Siddiq.

'Our key concerns at the moment are the funding proposals for 30 hours free childcare and the recruitment crisis.

'We will be sharing with her the results of our workforce survey, which are due to be published later this month and we will be continuing to campaign for a fair deal for nurseries over the coming year.'