Helen Hayes has been elected as the next chair of the Commons Education Select Committee.

Ms Hayes is the Labour MP for Dulwich and West Norwood and has been an MP since 7 May 2015.

She most recently worked as a shadow education minister between 2021-24 and has also held the position of shadow minister in the Cabinet Office.

Ms Hayes beat Labour MPs Sharon Hodgson and Dr Marie Tidball, who were in the running for the position.

The committee scrutinises the Department for Education’s work through inquiries and hearings.

Speaking to Tes ahead of her election, Ms Hayes said that an inquiry into the current SEND system and how the government can get to grips with school standards and the attainment gap would be at the top of her list of priorities.

For the latest education news and analysis delivered every weekday morning, sign up for the Tes Daily newsletter