Justine Greening ‘blocked tuition fee cuts’, ex-No 10 aide reveals
2 min read
Justine Greening was removed as Education Secretary after she blocked Theresa May’s plans to slash tuition fees, ex-Number 10 aide Nick Timothy has claimed.
Mr Timothy, who stood down after the Tories’ poor general election performance last year, has accused Ms Greening of opposing the move alongside former universities minister Jo Johnson.
Both were removed from their roles in Mrs May’s new year reshuffle, with Ms Greening dramatically stepping down after a three-hour Downing Street showdown during which she attempted to cling onto her job.
Mr Johnson was later moved to the Department for Transport.
Writing in the Telegraph today, Mr Timothy also praises the appointment of Damian Hinds as the new Education Secretary.
He states: "Greening blocked proposals to reduce tuition fees and refused to hold a proper review of tertiary education.
"Hinds must be brave enough to do just that, to ensure universities are better, fees are lower, and young people get the technical or academic education that suits them.
"He is already touted as a potential future Prime Minister: if he gets this right, he will be a convincing candidate for the job."
Addressing speculation that he was instrumental in Ms Greening’s removal, Mr Timothy says: “This week, “allies” of Justine Greening claimed I orchestrated her sacking as education secretary.
“This is obviously completely untrue, and I played no part whatsoever in the reshuffle.
“I do, however, agree with Theresa May’s decision: Greening’s replacement by Damian Hinds was the bright point in an otherwise limited set of changes.”
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