West Cumbrian MP Reappointed To Government Ministerial Role
Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister has been reappointed as a Government Minister, retaining his ministerial responsibilities following the formation of Prime Minister Andy Burnham's new administration.
MacAlister will continue serving as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Education, where he is responsible for children’s social care, families, and safeguarding. His reappointment comes as Prime Minister Burnham confirmed his first ministerial team after taking office earlier this month.
The Whitehaven and Workington MP welcomed the decision, saying he was honoured to continue serving in government and committed to delivering reforms that improve opportunities for children and families across the country. He added that his experience working in education and children’s services remains central to his work in Westminster.
MacAlister, who was first elected as MP in 2024, previously founded the charity Frontline, which trains social workers, and led the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care commissioned by the UK Government before entering Parliament. His appointment has been widely viewed as recognition of his expertise in education and child welfare policy.
Local leaders welcomed the announcement, noting that having a serving government minister representing West Cumbria provides the region with a stronger voice at the heart of government. They said the role offers opportunities to champion local priorities, including investment, education, skills, and economic development.
MacAlister said he would continue working on issues affecting his constituency alongside his ministerial duties, highlighting regeneration projects, investment in the Port of Workington, and support for the area's nuclear and clean energy industries as key priorities.
His reappointment forms part of a wider reshaping of government under Prime Minister Burnham, who has pledged to focus on economic growth, public service reform, regional investment, and improving living standards across the United Kingdom.
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