Erica Stanford has been forced into an embarrassing backdown less than 24 hours after pushing controversial homeschooling law changes through Parliament.

“This is humiliating for Erica Stanford. Yesterday she forced these changes through the House, and today she’s asking Parliament to reverse them," Labour education spokesperson Ginny Andersen said.

“It’s hard to overstate how chaotic this looks. Coalition parties voted for these changes yesterday and are already trying to distance themselves from them today. If they don’t understand what they’re voting for, New Zealanders should be worried.

“This Government tried to impose sweeping new powers over homeschooling families without consultation, and the community pushed back immediately.

“Parents deserve to be listened to before law changes are rammed through Parliament, not after the Government has been forced into an embarrassing retreat.

“Will this newfound, last-minute willingness to engage mean that she will now start listening to all the other groups who have been shut out by her one-size-fits-all educational reforms?

“This whole episode raises serious questions about Erica Stanford’s rushed approach to education change. Hopefully this is a sign she’ll slow down and start listening before charging ahead with more poorly thought-through changes,” Ginny Andersen said.