T.R.O.Y. wrote:You doubt he took any part whatsoever? Interesting theory that. I tend to think the ‘Cummings runs the country’ line is a bit over blown. Little doubt he’s the most powerful government advisor in my lifetime at least though.
Well having a quick look at his bio, his background is in business, hence this reply I guess back in 2010 -
7. If you could run any government department, which would it be and why? BIS – Having worked in manufacturing since leaving university, I am passionate about supporting business and I believe that it is business and manufacturing that can lead the way out of difficult economic times. I would love to see people with real experience leading and shaping policy and I want to see universities working to support industry as I believe that you can make a real difference through better use of the innovations that take place in universities and encouraging a greater transfer of skills between university and business.
https://www.conservativehome.com/parliament/2010/09/gavin-williamson-mp-answers-conhomes-twenty-questions-for-the-class-of-2010.htmlSince then he was PPS to Northern Ireland, then to transport, then to Cameron at PM.
He's not in Johnson's camp -
When Cameron resigned, Williamson privately vowed to do all he could to stop Boris Johnson entering No 10. He swiftly identified May as the best vehicle available for the task. After seeking Cameron’s permission, he phoned the then home secretary and offered to assist her bid. Within a day, he was invited to become her parliamentary campaign manager. “I was absolutely flabbergasted, but I accepted immediately,” he later recalled.
For May, the antithesis of the clubbable Williamson, the contacts gifted by her new recruit proved invaluable. When the new Prime Minister took office, Williamson was rewarded with the post of Chief Whip, a few weeks after his 40th birthday. In a mark of his stature, he attended the daily 8.30am meeting of May’s inner circle (unlike Philip Hammond and Boris Johnson).
https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/observations/2017/07/gavin-williamson-cunning-tory-chief-whip-tarantula-his-deskHe became Chief Whip for a year then on to Defence.
He only became Education Secretary last year.
His networking was that he was close to Cameron, then May and isn't a threat to Johnson and that was why he's been kept.
Voted Remain.
So yes I doubt very much that he particularly sought Education, is overly active in its policy formation or took a lead on the exams in any way shape or form.
He's just a career politician who backed the wrong horse in Theresa May against Johnson and simply kept on by BJ because he's had experienced in government office.