Who is Angela Rayner? Angela Rayner is a senior Labour politician and former trade union representative who: Was born in 1980 in Stockport, Greater Manchester. Left school at 16 and worked as a care worker before becoming a UNISON trade union official. Has been the MP for Ashton-under-Lyne since 2015 . Served as Deputy Leader of the Labour Party (2020–2025) . Served as Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (2024–2025) before resigning. In July 2026 , she returned to Cabinet as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government under Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Political views Rayner is generally regarded as being on the left of the Labour Party . She is known for: Increasing the supply of affordable and social housing. Strengthening workers' rights. Supporting devolution and greater powers for local authorities. Investing in public services and regional economic growth. Promoting social mobility and reducing...

  Who is Bridget Phillipson? Bridget Phillipson is a senior Labour politician who: Was born in 1983 in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear. Has been the MP for Houghton and Sunderland South since 2010 . Studied Modern History at the University of Oxford . Served in several shadow ministerial roles, including Shadow Education Secretary and Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury . Has been Secretary of State for Education since July 2024 , and also serves as Minister for Women and Equalities . ( GOV.UK ) Political views Phillipson is generally regarded as being on the moderate (centre-left) wing of the Labour Party. She is known for: Raising education standards. Expanding childcare and early years education. Improving teacher recruitment and retention. Supporting skills, apprenticeships and lifelong learning. Promoting equality of opportunity and social mobility. ( GOV.UK ) What does the Education Secretary do? The Secretary of State for Education is responsible for education policy in Eng...

  Who is Lucy Powell? Lucy Powell is a senior Labour politician who: Was born in 1974 in Manchester. Has been the MP for Manchester Central since 2012 . Previously worked in education and local government before entering Parliament. Served as Leader of the House of Commons and Lord President of the Council (2024–2025) , overseeing the government's legislative programme and parliamentary business.  Was elected Deputy Leader of the Labour Party in 2025 and was appointed Secretary of State for Education in July 2026 under Prime Minister Andy Burnham. ( GOV.UK ) Political views Powell is generally considered to be on the moderate (centre-left) wing of the Labour Party. She is known for: Improving educational standards and opportunities. Supporting investment in schools and skills. Parliamentary reform and modernisation. Greater regional investment and economic growth. A pragmatic approach to public service reform.  What does the Education Secretary do? The Secretary of St...