Wes Streeting has been named the new shadow schools minister, confirming the news broken by Tes this afternoon.

The Labour MP for Ilford North has been shadow exchequer secretary to the Treasury.

He will now replace Margaret Greenwood, who resigned last night as part of a rebellion against Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer over the so-called “spy cops” law.

Labour: Greenwood resigns as schools minister

Streeting: MP accuses the government of failing on FE 

Background: Labour appoints shadow education ministers

Mr Streeting said he was “absolutely thrilled” about his new role. 

He is a former president of the National Union of Students and a former head of education for the LGBT charity Stonewall, who became an MP in 2015.

Until the 2019 general election, he was a member of the Treasury select committee.

After the election of Sir Keir as Labour leader, Mr Streeting was appointed shadow exchequer secretary to the Treasury.

Having grown up on a council estate, on free school meals, experiencing child poverty in the 1980s, I wouldn’t be where I am today without a great state education. I am absolutely thrilled @Keir_Starmer has asked me to join @KateGreenSU’s team as Shadow Minister for Schools.

— Wes Streeting MP (@wesstreeting) October 16, 2020

Last night the Labour leader ordered his MPs to abstain on the third reading of the Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Bill.

But 34 MPs decided to oppose the legislation, including Ms Greenwood, who subsequently tendered her resignation over the issue.