Children's minister Beverley Hughes has announced that she is stepping down at the next election for 'family' reasons and will leave Government after the next reshuffle, which is expected in the next week.
Ms Hughes has been children's minister since 2005.
Joint chief executive of the Daycare Trust Alison Garnham said, 'In her four years as children's minister Beverley Hughes has been a tireless champion of high quality early childhood education and care, and she will be missed by those of us working in the sector. The recent opening of the 3000th Sure Start Children's Centre is a fitting testament to her substantial achievements in office; Sure Start Children's Centres make a huge difference to parents and children, providing childcare, early education and health services all over the country, and Beverley Hughes' role in delivering them is a legacy she should be proud of.'
Further updates shortly.