Commons MP follows trend for ex-lecturers

One former university lecturer has replaced another as chairman of the influential Commons' education select committee.

Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman (above), a former lecturer in political theory and government at the University of Wales, Swansea, was confirmed as chairman this week. Mr Sheerman, who is also a governor of the London School of Economics, takes over as the committee prepares for a major inquiry into higher education.

Mr Sheerman, who served as an education spokesman when the Labour Party was in opposition, replaces Malcolm Wicks, who was promoted to minister for lifelong learning in the last government reshuffle. Mr Wicks was a lecturer in social administration at Brunel. Both men were members of the Association of University Teachers.