Williamson stays on as education secretary, but must replace his two top advisers

Gavin Williamson has returned to work at the Department for Education after his party won a majority at last week’s election.

The education secretary is expected to continue in the role until at least next February, when a wider cabinet reshuffle is anticipated.

As before the election, Williamson has overall responsibility for further education, apprenticeships and skills.

However, the education secretary is currently without special advisers.

Richard Holden, his former media adviser, became an MP at the election, winning the seat of North West Durham from Labour.

FE Week’s sister paper FE Week has also learned that Katharine Howell, Williamson’s former policy SpAd, has not returned to her job at the DfE following the election.

Elsehwhere in the department, Nick Gibb remains in post as schools minister, while Michelle Donelan continues to act as children’s minister while Kemi Badenoch is on maternity leave.

Donelan will continue to support Williamson as skills lead, including on T-levels, apprenticeships and adult education.

Lord Agnew is still the academies minister, with responsibility for the further education provider market including quality and improvement.

Boris Johnson has come under fire this week after the former education secretary Nicky Morgan was given a seat in the House of Lords and allowed to continue serving as culture secretary.

Morgan, who had previously said she would not serve under Johnson but accepted a cabinet job in July, stood down from the House of Commons at last week’s election.