The MP for Barnsley South, Stephanie Peacock, has been appointed as the new civil society minister in the department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

Peacock, who has previously worked as a teacher and in adult education before working as a political officer for the GMB trade union, was elected in 2017 to Barnsley East, and then in 2024 for Barnsley South.

In the three weeks since the election, charities have been waiting for the civil society appointment. However, like Peacock's predecessor, Stuart Andrew, she has a number of other roles in the department with responsibility for sport, media, civil society, youth, ceremonies, legislation and gambling (in the house of commons).

In its manifesto published in mid-June, the Labour party pledged to consult with the charity sector in developing policies and introducing legislation in areas including employment, child poverty, the environment and animal welfare.

“Government is at its best when working in partnership with business, trade unions, civil society, faith groups, and communities,” it states, adding: “but without a shared project those partnerships barely get off the ground”.

And in January Labour leader, now Prime Minister, Keir Starmer signalled that he wanted to see greater involvement of charities in decision making through a “renewed social contract”.

Citing culture war attacks on the work of charities including the RNLI by right wing politicians, Starmer added that “the relationship between government and civil society needs a reset”.

For charity reactions, please email melissa.moody@charitytimes.com

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