Powell, the deputy leader of the Labour Party and the MP for Manchester Central, joins Burnham’s cabinet amid a wider shake up that has seen John Healey replace Rachel Reeves as Chancellor of the Exchequer, while Shabana Mahmood remains in place as Home Secretary.
Burnham has also introduced a new ministerial position responsible for AI – appointing MP for the Vale of Glamorgan, Kanishka Narayan, to the post.
Meanwhile, stakeholders have welcomed the introduction of a new portfolio for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, with Stalybridge and Hyde MP Jonathan Reynolds heading up the department.
Libby Hackett, chief executive of the Russell Group, said the universities were “delighted” to see the new Prime Minister’s “bold vision for optimism and economic growth”.
His plans put regional innovation at the heart of economic success for the UK – including a new home for science and research in a strengthened portfolio of Business, Innovation, Science and Trade
Libby Hackett, The Russell Group
“His plans put regional innovation at the heart of economic success for the UK – including a new home for science and research in a strengthened portfolio of Business, Innovation, Science and Trade,” she said. “The Russell Group warmly welcomes this approach that puts our world-leading research and innovation capabilities at the centre of national ambitions.”
Hackett further said the group was looking forward to working with Reynolds – a “vocal champion of our sector” – as well as other ministers in the cabinet.
The UK’s international education sector welcomed Burnham to No. 10 but setting out a wishlist for his premiership, such as keeping the Graduate Route intact and scrapping the VAT levy on private school fees.
It remains to be seen how Powell will make her mark on the education portfolio. She follows on from Phillipson, who started her tenure by welcoming international students to the UK before presiding over the policy to raise a levy on international student fees in higher education.
Meanwhile, some of Mahmood’s policies as Home Secretary proved unpopular with the sector, such as halting study visas from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Cameroon and Sudan over asylum concerns.
It remains to be seen whether Burnham’s government will be more supportive of international education than its predecessors. However, with anti-immigration sentiment rising in the UK, it seems likely that the new cabinet will be at pains to show they are cracking down on migration.
