Kit Malthouse is leaving his position as education secretary, Tes understands.

Mr Malthouse was appointed by former prime minister Liz Truss in September, becoming the fifth person to hold the post in the space of 12 months.

The former chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster held the role for under two months.

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His exit comes as part of a reshuffle taking place after Rishi Sunak became prime minister today.

During his short time holding the education brief, Malthouse came under criticism from school leaders for taking “cheap shots” after he vowed to be “more assertive” on standards.

He delivered his first - and final - education questions session in the Commons yesterday, and told MPs that a survey on the state of school buildings had revealed “alarming” problems that the government is working to “rectify”.

Malthouse sent the below tweet on news of his departure breaking:

As I leave the DfE, 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.

— Kit Malthouse MP (@kitmalthouse) October 25, 2022

It is not yet known who will succeed him in taking on the secretary of state position.