Dawn Primarolo is the new Minister for Children, taking over from Beverley Hughes, who resigned unexpectedly last week.

Ms Primarolo, MP for Bristol South, began her new job at the Department for Children, Schools and Families this morning.

Previously she was Public Health Minister for almost two years from June 2007. Before that she was Paymaster General for eight years from 1999 to 2007 and was Financial Secretary to the Treasury for two years from 1997 to 1999.

Known as Red Dawn when she was first elected due to her reputation as a hard left-winger, she has since insisted that she has changed to “Rosy Pink”.

The early years and childcare sector awaits to see what changes, if any, Ms Primarolo brings to the post of Minister for Children.