Helen Hayes replaces Tulip Siddiq as shadow children and early years minister

Helen Hayes, MP for Dulwich and West Norwood, has replaced Siddiq in the role as part of Keir Starmer’s reshuffle of the Labour Party shadow cabinet.

Siddiq, MP for Hampstead and Kilburn, has been named as shadow economic secretary to the treasury.

• Interview: Tulip Siddiq MP, shadow children and early years minister

• Labour reshuffle: Bridget Phillipson replaces Kate Green as shadow education secretary

She wrote on Twitter: “Championing the early years sector from the Labour frontbench has been a privilege.

“Early education is crucial in shaping children's life chances, and I will never stop fighting for those who provide it to be properly recognised and supported.”

There are too many people I want to thank, but I'd like to mention Neil Leitch @EYAlliance, Purnima Tanuku @NDNAtalk, @LizBayram_PACEY, @b_merrick, Jo Verrill @ceeda_uk & @JuneOSullivan for all the support they've given me in holding the Government to account on early years. 3/5

— Tulip Siddiq (@TulipSiddiq) December 4, 2021

Siddiq thanked sector leaders and those who had helped her “fight better support for vulnerable children, looked after children, children with SEND and those eligible for free school meals.”

Hayes paid tribute to her predecessor, saying she “leaves big shoes to fill”.

The new children and early years minister added: “Few things are more important than giving every child the best start in life.”

I’m delighted to be joining the Shadow Education Team led by @bphillipsonMP as Shadow Minister for Children & Early Years. Few things are more important than giving every child the best start in life. My thanks to my friend & predecessor @TulipSiddiq who leaves big shoes to fill!

— Helen Hayes 💙🌹 (@helenhayes_) December 4, 2021

Hayes will work under new shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson who replaced Kate Green last week. 

Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of the National Day Nurseries Association, (NDNA) said: “This is a crucial time for the early years sector as they continue to work throughout the pandemic to support children’s early education and development. The new shadow secretary of state for education and shadow early years minister will have a lot to focus on and we would like to welcome both Bridget Phillipson and Helen Hayes to these important roles.

“At NDNA, we want to see all children flourish through excellent early years education and care and we look forward to working with the new team on this agenda.

“We wish Tulip Siddiq well in her new role, she has been a strong advocate for all children and providers in the early years sector.”

In other moves, Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, has been named as shadow school minister.

Rachael Maskell has been appointed shadow minister for arts, civic society and youth under new shadow secretary for digital, culture, media and sport Lucy Powell.

Maskell, who is MP for York Central, appears to replace Cat Smith, who quit her frontbench position as shadow secretary for young people and democracy, in championing youth services for the opposition.

Anna McMorrin, MP for Cardiff North, remains shadow youth justice minister.