The new MPs who could influence higher education

The higher education sector in the UK is a cornerstone of the nation’s economic, social, and cultural vitality. Analysis by sector body Universities UK shows that the sector contributes £130 billion to the UK economy and supports over 750,000 jobs, highlighting the sector’s significant impact. UK universities are globally recognised, with four institutions ranked in the top ten of the QS World University Rankings 2024, underscoring their academic and research excellence.  

This global reputation attracts over 675,000 international students annually, contributing an estimated £41.9 billion to the economy. Higher education institutions drive innovation and technological advancements and help develop a skilled workforce that meets the demands of a rapidly evolving job market. For politicians, investing in and prioritising this sector is crucial to maintaining the UK’s competitive edge, enhancing social mobility, and addressing skills shortages. By focusing on higher education, policymakers can ensure sustainable economic growth, social progress, and the continued global influence of the UK. 

It is only right that higher education is so often heralded as the future of this country because of its importance in our social and economic spheres. But this past election campaign, it was not just the Liberal Democrats – with their record on tuition fees – who didn’t want to discuss the issue. Higher education was conspicuously absent from Labour and the Conservative’s spokespersons; the new Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Philipson, notably failed to clarify the party’s intentions for the sector during the campaign.  

Given the sector’s importance economically and socially, this may be puzzling until you start to lift the lid on the issues the sector faces, and the hard decisions that the new Government will have to make. With tuition fees frozen since 2017, universities have lost an estimated £6bn to inflationary pressure since the decision, with the pace of loss increasing. 

The challenges are wider reaching than just financial. Political pressures to reduce migration threaten the long-term viability of large numbers of international students and the financial boost they bring, and migration restrictions are challenging UK businesses to derive talent locally without drawing on transnational flows. The prosperity of universities is now codependent with a cross-departmental nexus of policy areas, including skills, migration, levelling up and economic growth.  

To tackle these challenges and deliver an interrelated skills development programme that benefits students, businesses, educators, businesses and taxpayers, the new Government will need to draw on a broad pool of expertise.  

 To do this, Labour brought expertise back to the government by appointing Jacqui Smith to the Department. However, they’ll also look to draw expertise from those new to Parliament, who can play a key role in shaping legislation and political narratives in committees and parliamentary groups. We have highlighted a few of our key rising parliamentary stars who may play a key role on this critical issue.  

Dr. Sam Rushworth MP, Bishop Auckland

Majority: 6,672 

Sam Rushworth is the newly elected Labour MP for Bishop Auckland, representing the seat formerly held by the Conservative party’s Dehenna Davison since 2019. 

Sam has a background in education and international development. He studied at Manchester University before completing a PhD in education and international development in 2017.  

He worked for AEGIS for five years, which safeguards the welfare of international students studying at schools, colleges, and universities in the UK. He is currently the programme manager for the Strategic Research Fund at Durham University.  

Given Sam’s firsthand experience working with international students – a topic high on agendas following the Migration Advisory Committee’s recent repudiation of the Government’s plans to reduce their number – his expertise will be valuable when the Commons turns its attention to the issue again.   

Antonia Bance MP, Tipton & Wednesbury

Majority: 2,385 

Antonia Bance is the newly elected MP for Tipton and Wednesbury, having won the seat in 2024 from Shaun Bailey. Previously, she was a Councillor in Oxford City from 2006 to 2013, where she focused on issues like regeneration, debt, welfare, and youth services. Bance has also held key roles at Oxfam, Shelter, and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). 

Bance’s commitment to higher education is evident from her time as a student at Oxford University, where she earned a BA in History and served as Vice President (Women) of the Oxford University Student Union from 2001 to 2002. Her involvement in the NUS Women’s Campaign highlighted her dedication to gender equality and student welfare. 

As Head of Campaigns for Shelter, Bance led initiatives on homelessness and housing. At the TUC, she focused on campaigns for better jobs and pay and launched the WorkSmart app for young workers. These roles reflect her continuous support for educational and social justice issues. 

Antonia Bance’s career, from student politics to Parliament, showcases her dedication to higher education and social justice. Her diverse experience positions her to make significant contributions to educational policy, enhancing the sector’s impact on the UK’s social and economic landscape.

Kanishka Narayan MP, Vale of Glamorgan

Majority: 4,216

Dr. Narayan, a former civil servant in the Cabinet Office and Head of Tech Policy for the Labour frontbench, brings extensive policy experience to his role as an MP. His advisory roles with Chatham House and the Centre for Cities, alongside his GMB membership, highlight his dedication to public service and reform. 

From 2016 to 2021, Dr. Narayan advised the Labour Party on economic policy and public service reform, providing critical insights to key shadow ministers. His “Help Your High Street” campaign during the COVID-19 lockdown demonstrated his innovative approach to supporting local businesses. 

Kanishka has a strong background in public policy, having served as a Senior Adviser in the Cabinet Office, focusing on improving public services through technology and support for individuals with disabilities. He also founded Attain Wales, a charity aimed at improving social mobility and education. 

Kanishka has himself experienced the top echelons of higher education; he holds a Bachelor’s degree in PPE from Oxford University and an MBA from Stanford University. He is a GMB union member, a trustee for Citizens Advice, and a volunteer for Trussell Trust food banks. 

Dr. Narayan’s extensive policy background and commitment to social mobility uniquely position him to address the sector’s challenges. As an MP, he will likely seek to drive policies that enhance educational opportunities and outcomes, ensuring a more equitable and robust higher education system. 

Andrew Snowden MP, Fylde

Majority: 561

On the Conservative benches, Andrew Snowden joins the House with experience working in public service and higher education administration. Most recently, he served as Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner from 2021 to 2024 and was previously a member of Lancashire County Council for the Hoghton with Wheelton ward in Chorley. 

Andrew holds a degree in contemporary military and international history from the University of Salford, where he was president of the students’ union. He later served as head of the Vice-Chancellor’s office and associate director of external relations at the university. 

In June 2024, Andrew was selected as the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Fylde. His extensive experience in higher education administration positions him to effectively advocate for policies that enhance educational access, quality, and innovation. As an MP, Andrew has said he aims to support collaboration between educational institutions and industries, ensuring that higher education continues to provide valuable opportunities for students and the broader community.