Kit Malthouse has departed as education secretary, meaning the sector will have a fifth secretary of state in four months.

It’s not clear yet if Malthouse, who was appointed in September, has resigned or was sacked by new prime minister Rishi Sunak.

He tweeted today: “As I leave the DfE (Department for Education), I do so with profound gratitude to officials, my private office team, and brilliant advisers, who all worked so hard.

“I hope my successor can harness their commitment to the most important mission in Whitehall: the future and welfare of our children.”

He also offered a “huge thank you to all the nursery workers, teachers, academics, staff, social workers and others, who help bring our young people through childhood and set them on a path to success.

“Our time together was short, but you will hear more from me in the months to come.”

Malthouse mostly remained under the rader while in post.

His main interventions were pledging to draw up plans for two new vocational colleges in the north to rival Oxford and Cambridge, vowing to “reinvigorate” Michael Gove’s academy reforms and promising “constant pressure” on schools to boost standards.

He was appointed education secretary by Liz Truss, becoming the fourth person to hold the role in a chaotic two months that included Michelle Donelan resigning after less than two days in the job.

The education secretary merry-go-round

Nadhim Zahawi, September 15, 2021 to July 5: 293 days

Michelle Donelan, July 5 to July 7: two days

James Cleverly, July 7 to September 6: 61 days

Kit Malthouse, September 6 to October 25: 49 days

Average time as education secretary (since 1941): 764 days

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