Lucy Powell was appointed Secretary of State for Education on 20 July 2026. The Secretary of State is responsible for the work of the Department for Education. She was previously Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons between 5 July 2024 and 5 September 2025. She was elected as the MP for the redrawn Manchester Central constituency in July 2024, which she has represented since 15 November 2012.