| United Kingdom Minister of State for Skills | |
|---|---|
.svg) | |
 | |
| Department for Education | |
| Style | Minister |
| Nominator | Prime Minister of the United Kingdom |
| Appointer | The Monarch on advice of the Prime Minister |
| Formation | 2001 (Second Blair ministry) |
| First holder | Margaret Hodge MP |
| Website | https://www.gov.uk/government/ministers/minister-of-state--175 |
The minister of state for Skills,[1] formerly Minister of State for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education and previously Minister of State for Universities, is a mid-level position in the Department for Education in the British government. The position has been filled by Jacqui Smith since July 2024.[2] The minister has oversight over skills and higher and further education, including universities and the Student Loans Company.
Under New Labour, the role was known as Minister of State for Higher Education and Minister of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills.
Under the Cameron–Clegg coalition and May ministries, the role became known as Minister of State for Universities, Science and Cities and Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation. The role of Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science, Research and Innovation was created out of this office.
Following the 2021 British cabinet reshuffle under the second Johnson ministry, the role was known as Minister of State for Higher and Further Education and the officeholder, Michelle Donelan, was given the right to attend Cabinet. Under Donelan's successor, Andrea Jenkyns, the position was demoted to a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State role and known as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills, Further and Higher Education.
Under the Sunak ministeries, the role was promoted back to the level of Minister of State.[3]
At certain times, the minister worked in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
The short form Skills Minister is sometimes used.[4]
- ^ "Minister of State (Minister for Skills) - GOV.UK". www.gov.uk. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
- ^ "The Rt Hon Baroness Jacqui Smith - GOV.UK". www.gov.uk. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
- ^ "Minister of State (Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education) - GOV.UK". www.gov.uk. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
- ^ "Two ministers make visit to Keighley". Rombalds Radio. 13 October 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
Skills Minister Robert Halfon