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Jacqui Smith’s university brief could spell ‘gargantuan’ changes

 Image: Bill Oxford, via Getty Images

Former Ucas head says appointment shows government is aware of the challenges facing higher education

The appointment of former home secretary Jacqui Smith to the post of universities minister could indicate a “gargantuan” overhaul of further and higher education is on the cards, according to sector figures.

The new Labour government said that Smith’s brief will include universities, although at time of writing final details of her responsibilities had yet to be confirmed. To carry out the role, Smith will receive a peerage and operate from the House of Lords—meaning she will not be able to respond directly to questions about her brief in the House of Commons.

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