Labour appoints shadow childcare minister

The appointment of Tracey Brabin, who was elected as MP for Batley and Spen at a by-election in October 2016 following the murder of Jo Cox, comes more than five months after the former postholder Tulip Siddiq stood down.

Brabin, who appeared in Coronation Street between 1994 and 1997, takes on the role just two months prior to the planned extension of free childcare provision for three- and four-year-olds from 15 hours a week to 30 hours a week.

She is one of 20 appointments to the shadow front bench announced today by Labour.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the Labour Party, said: "I'm delighted to be filling Labour's shadow front bench with a wealth of talent. Our new shadow ministers will bolster the excellent work of Labour's shadow cabinet and departmental teams."

Brabin took to Twitter following her appointment.

So proud to be given Shadow Minister for Early Years + congratulations to all colleagues joining front bench. #forthemany @yorkshirelabour

— Tracy Brabin MP (@TracyBrabin) July 3, 2017

Last week it emerged that new Department for Education minister Robert Goodwill MP is to take on responsibility for early years in addition to children's social care as part of an expanded ministerial portfolio.

The brief had previously been held by Caroline Dinenage before her move to the Department for Work and Pensions as part of a government reshuffle.

Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Pre-school Learning Alliance said: "With the introduction of the 30-hours entitlement offer only a few short months away, it is essential that there is a strong opposition ready to hold the government to account.

"We look forward to developing a healthy working relationship with Ms Brabin, ensuring that the early years agenda remains a top priority."

Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA), said: "We are keen to work with the newly announced shadow minister for early years Tracy Brabin and welcome her to the sector.

"This is a pivotal year for the nursery sector, as nurseries across England are preparing to offer children 30 hours funded childcare from September.

"Our members' main worry is whether they can remain sustainable if they offer 30 hours.

"We will be sharing our research findings with Ms Brabin that show 85 per cent of nurseries are underfunded for ‘free' childcare, so only 44 per cent say they will participate.

"Despite government promises of extra investment, average rates have only increased by 40p which is just not enough to plug the gap.

"This issue really needs to be addressed if the government's flagship policy is to be successful."