The role of apprenticeships and skills minister could be downgraded in Boris Johnson’s new government.

Anne Milton was a minister of state when she held the position until her resignation on Tuesday.

However, this afternoon 10 Downing Street told Tes that it has now appointed two ministers of state to the Department for Education, and no more would be appointed to the DfE.

No 10 told Tes that the remits of individual ministers of state are yet to be confirmed, but yesterday, Nick Gibb said he would remain minister of state responsible for schools, and Jo Johnson announced earlier today that his portfolio as minister of state will cover universities and science.

That would mean that the role of FE minister will instead be an under secretary of state role, unless parts of the job previously held by Anne Milton are to be incorporated into the other two briefs. 

Background: FE funding a ‘priority’, says Boris Johnson

More news: Skills minister Anne Milton resigns

Quick read: Boris Johnson backs FE funding

‘A priority’

This comes days after both outgoing prime minister Theresa May and new prime minister Boris Johnson stressed the importance of skills training in Parliament. 

Yesterday, Mr Johnson said he had discussed the issue of further education and skills and he had had “a long discussion on that very theme last night with the new education secretary, and that is going to be a priority of this government”. 

The DfE declined to comment.