The former charities minister has been appointed as the shadow culture secretary.

Stuart Andrew, who held the charities brief for almost two years before the Conservatives lost the general election in July, will scrutinise the government department that holds responsibility for the voluntary sector as part of new Tory leader Kemi Badenoch’s first shadow cabinet.

Andrew worked as a charity fundraiser before entering parliament, holding positions at the British Heart Foundation, Hope House Children’s Hospice, East Lancashire Hospice and Martin House Hospice.

He has been an MP since 2010, representing the Pudsey, Horsforth and Aireborough constituency until it was abolished as part of boundary changes at this election and he was parachuted into Daventry. 

Andrew was appointed opposition chief whip after the general election in July. 

Excited to take on my new role as Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport after serving as the Shadow Chief Whip.

Looking forward to holding the Labour government to account and developing the Conservative vision for these vital industries. pic.twitter.com/czrbpsXPrp

— Stuart Andrew (@StuartAndrew) November 5, 2024

Sarah Elliott, chief executive of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, congratulated Andrew on his new appointment. 

“Having previously served as charities minister, Stuart brings a deep understanding of the charity sector, and the challenges and opportunities we face. 

“We look forward to working with him in the future to ensure the charity and voluntary sector continues to make a lasting impact on the people and communities they support.”

Leah Davis, head of policy and external affairs at the think tank NPC, also welcomed Andrew’s appointment.

“We hope that his knowledge of the sector can provide a foundation for constructive engagement in the years to come,” she said. 

“The sector is open to a conversation that moves on from the culture wars and towards building the infrastructure for civil society to work effectively with the government.”