Gavin Williamson sacked as Education Secretary

Following his departure, Williamson wrote on Twitter that it has been a "privilege" to serve as 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."

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Williamson has been widely criticised over his handling of schooling during the pandemic which led to a series of high-profile U-turns on issues including, the closures of schools around Christmas, the provision of free school meals during school holidays and GCSE and A-level exam results. 

He has also come under fire over his “inadequate” schools catch-up plan which led to education recovery tsar Sir Kevan Collins stepping down after just weeks in the role.

The former Education Secretary, who was appointed to the role in July 2019, was also accused of “ignoring” the early years sector during the pandemic as well as facing criticism over delays to the SEND review and refusal to ban the use of unregulated supported accommodation for children aged over 16.

He has also been criticised over his plan for a crackdown on behaviour in schools including the use of so-called "behaviour hubs", increased use of isolation in schools and measures including exclusion and explusion and a total ban on mobile phones in classrooms.

When he launched a six-week consultation on the proposals in June, teaching unions accused Williamson of being “out of step with the scale of the challenge met by schools” following the pandemic.

It is not yet clear who will replace Williamson.

A 10 Downing Street source today (15 September) announced that Boris Johnson would “conduct a reshuffle to put in place a strong and united team to build back better from the pandemic”.

Justice Secretary Robert Buckland has also been removed from his position along with Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick.

Reacting to the move on Twitter, Buckland wrote: "It has been an honour to serve in government for the last seven years, and as the Lord Chancellor for the last two."