A Cumbrian MP has been appointed as a minister in the Government’s weekend reshuffle.
Following the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner on Friday, Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer was forced to reshuffle the cabinet.
As a result, Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister has been appointed as a minister in the Department for Education.
Josh said his new ministerial role would allow him to deliver change nationally, but stressed that his most important job remained in West Cumbria.
His professional life has been shaped by a commitment to children and young people.
He began his career as a teacher before becoming CEO of a charity dedicated to recruiting and developing social workers to support families in need. In 2022, he chaired the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care, calling for major reforms and investment to ensure every child can grow up in a safe, stable and loving home.
Since being elected as MP, many of the recommendations laid out in his review have been adopted by the Labour Government, backed by £2.1 billion of funding secured at the Spending Review.
Mr MacAlister said: “I am honoured to have been asked to serve as a new minister in the education department.
“My career has always been about improving opportunities for children and young people, and I will now work with Secretary of State Bridget Phillipson, my colleagues at the Department for Education and across government to deliver the reforms that vulnerable children need.
“But while this ministerial role gives me a platform to make change nationally, my most important job remains here in West Cumbria as MP.
“I will continue to be a champion for our communities – whether that’s bringing new nuclear here, upgrading our railway line and port, securing investment in our towns, or improving our local health services.
“Becoming a minister is a huge privilege.
“But it is the trust placed in me by the people of West Cumbria that gives me the opportunity to serve in this way. Whatever happens in Westminster, my priority will always be to serve you.”
