by Jess Gibson
Olivia Bailey, MP for Reading West and Mid Berkshire, has been appointed to the role of early education minister, the government has confirmed.
The appointment comes as part of a wider cabinet reshuffle, where former early education minister Stephen Morgan has taken over the role of government whip and Lord Commissioner of the Treasury.
Bailey previously held the roles of head of domestic policy for the Labour Party between 2020 and 2022, and senior adviser and head of community and security for the Labour Party in 2024. She also served as chair of the Labour Women’s Network, deputy general secretary of the Fabian Society, and more recently, was PPS to work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall.
Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, commented: “We would like to extend a warm welcome to Olivia Bailey in her new role as early education minister.
“As she is no doubt aware, the early years sector is facing many challenges – not least chronic underfunding alongside an unprecedented recruitment and retention crisis. As such, we hope the new minister will provide the much-needed stability and consistency to deliver the Best Start in Life strategy successfully for families, children, and providers.
“At this critical moment for the early years, we look forward to working closely and collaboratively with Olivia Bailey to make sure the sector is supported to give every child the best possible start in life.”