The appointment of a 10th children’s minister at the Department for Education in as many years has called into question the government’s commitment to children and young people.
David Johnston, MP for Wanstead and Didcot, was announced as children, families and wellbeing minister in late August, replacing Claire Coutinho following her promotion to Energy Secretary.
Johnston is the seventh person to hold the role since the last general election in December 2019.
Of the seven MPs to take responsibility for areas including children’s social care, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and early years, five have held the role since the UK emerged from the pandemic in spring 2021 amid a backdrop of increased challenges for children including poor mental health, rising speech and language difficulties, and lost learning.
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