ENFIELD Southgate MP Stephen Twigg has been charged with the tough task of turning round the capital's schools.

He has been appointed Minister for Young People and London Schools in the shake-up of the Government's Department for Education and Skills.

Following his appointment, Mr Twigg told the Independent: "A major part of my job will be working on a strategy for schools in London.

"There is still a lot of pressure on secondary school places. It has got a particular reference to Enfield.

"It is a big job, a challenge, and I am very excited."

Mr Twigg was previously deputy leader of the House of Commons and in his new job he will be examining the introduction of more City Academies in London.

He added: "The main thing is talking to schools, heads, local authorities and colleges so that we get the right strategy."

His first official ministerial duty as an education minister was at his own former school, Southgate School, last week.

There he launched a Government campaign to tackle violence in schools.

July 10, 2002 17:30