Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister says it is a ‘privilege’ as he is reappointed as a Minister at the Department for Education following the Government reshuffle.

Josh will continue at the Department for Education as part of the ministerial team led by Education Secretary Lucy Powell, where he has spent the last ten months as Minister for Children and Families leading reforms to children’s social care.

Speaking after his reappointment, Josh said: “It is a real privilege to have been reappointed by the Prime Minister to continue serving as a Minister in the education team.

“Over the last ten months I’ve tried to make every day in the job count.

“We’ve secured £2.4 billion to help transform children’s social care, committed to an extra 10,000 foster care placements, strengthened child protection, expanded support for kinship carers, begun rolling out Regional Care Co-operatives, increased support for adoptive and special guardianship families and put loving, enduring relationships at the heart of the care system.

“There is still a huge amount to do, but I’m excited to continue driving these reforms forward and making sure more children grow up safe, supported and able to thrive.

“I’m grateful to Bridget Phillipson for everything we achieved together, and I’m looking forward to working with Lucy Powell as we continue this next phase of reform.

“Serving in Government is a huge honour, but being the Member of Parliament for Whitehaven and Workington will always come first.

“I’ll continue fighting every day for West Cumbria – securing investment, creating skilled jobs, improving public services and making sure our communities have a strong voice at the heart of Government.

“It’s a privilege to be able to serve both my constituents and the country, and I can’t wait to get back to work.”

Since entering government, Josh has continued to lead local campaigns on major investment in West Cumbria, including plans for Pioneer Park, the regeneration of local towns, an upgrade of the railway, improvements to health services, and support for local families and young people.