David Johnston Confirmed as New Childcare Minister

David Johnston Confirmed as New Childcare Minister 

Once again, a government reshuffle has resulted in the appointment of a new Childcare Minister, this time David Johnston MP. With an election likely less than a year away, he will have a real challenge to make a meaningful impact in the time available. Even in the event that the Conservatives form the next government, a post-election reshuffle would be expected, while of course an incoming Labour administration would appoint a new team. Nonetheless, it is important for the sector to get to know the politician responsible for setting policy! 

Elected in December 2019, the MP for Wantage previously worked as the Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Michael Gove MP. His predecessor, Claire Coutinho, has been appointed as the new Energy Secretary. Mr Johnston’s appointment marks the tenth different children’s minister since 2012 and is the seventh different person to hold the role since the last election in 2019. 

His appointment comes at a crucial and challenging time for the industry. The planned expansion of 30 hours a week of free childcare for all eligible 9 month to 5-year-olds starting in September 2025 has multiple initial phases, including providing 15 hours free childcare for 2-year-olds in April 2024, which require attention. This is amid a backdrop of known staffing, pay, resource and cost issues throughout the sector. It is vital that Mr Johnston can make the sector a priority for the Government. 

Leading voices throughout the sector were aligned with the view that Mr Johnston needs to hit the ground running in order to make an impact on the sector. This is particularly relevant with an election looming next year. It’s imperative that the MP doesn’t just become a placeholder without enacting any positive changes through the industry if the expansion plans are to succeed.  

Regardless of who the childcare minister is, the sector needs some stability. The fact that a few months ago ambitious, expansion plans were laid out for childcare, and now we start again with a new minister in this vital role highlights the lack of serious attention given to the sector. Hopefully the new minister can have a positive impact on the sector.