Nadhim Zahawi has been named as Education Secretary in the Cabinet reshuffle which saw his predecessor Gavin Williamson sacked.
Zahawi had been Vaccines Minister since 2020.
Downing Street said: “The Queen has been pleased to approve the appointment of Nadhim Zahawi MP as Secretary of State for Education.”
Gavin Williamson was appointed in July 2019 after Boris Johnson was elected as Prime Minister in the same month.
Nadhim Zahawi MP @NadhimZahawi has been appointed Secretary of State for Education @educationgovuk#Reshuffle pic.twitter.com/zRxqWQqZV2
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) September 15, 2021
In a tweet following him losing the role, he said it had been “a privilege” to serve as the Education Secretary.
He said: “Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, I’m particularly proud of the transformational reforms I’ve led in Post 16 education: in further education colleges, our Skills agenda, apprenticeships and more.
It has been a privilege to serve as Education Secretary since 2019. Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, I’m particularly proud of the transformational reforms I’ve led in Post 16 education: in further education colleges, our Skills agenda, apprenticeships and more.
— Gavin Williamson (@GavinWilliamson) September 15, 2021
“This programme will create better life opportunities for pupils and students for many years to come.
“I look forward to continuing to support the Prime Minster and the government,” he added.
Also sacked from their positions in the cabinet today were Robert Buckland, Robert Jendrick and Amanda Milling.
While, Priti Patel, Rishi Sunak and Mark Spencer kept their roles as Home Secretary, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Chief Whip.
New appointments include Nadine Dorries as Culture Secretary, Liz Truss as Foreign Secretary and Dominic Raab as Justice Secretary.
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