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UK: Steve Reed, the Labour MP for Streatham and Croydon North and former leader of Lambeth Council, has been appointed as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government.
He was previously environment secretary – a post he held for 14 months.
Reed’s appointment is part of a cabinet reshuffle by prime minister Keir Starmer following Angela Rayner’s resignation as deputy prime minister and housing secretary, after she admitted not paying enough tax on her second home.
Responding to confirmation that Steve Reed has been appointed the new housing secretary, Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, said: “We welcome Steve Reed’s appointment as housing secretary. At a time of substantial change for the rental market, we look forward to working constructively with him. Top of the agenda will need to be ensuring the smooth implementation of the Renters’ Rights Bill. Alongside this there is a desperate need to support long term investment in new decent quality homes to rent and ensure the private rented sector operates on the basis of trust and confidence between landlords and tenants.”
Faraz Baber, chief operating officer of planning consultants Lanpro, said: “Steve Reed brings a huge amount of experience to his new role. As a former leader of a London borough he has an excellent understanding the challenges of local government. Furthermore as a former portfolio lead for housing across London Councils, combined with his time at DEFRA, he has a rich mix of direct experience. This should greatly help in delivering the ambitious 1.5 million homes target. Also very importantly, his experience will ensure the UK can meets its transition to green energy through new green infrastructure such as onshore wind and solar. Steve’s appointment at MHCLG is one which will ensure the pace of delivery can now accelerate.”
Highlights:
• Steve Reed, the Labour MP for Streatham and Croydon North and former leader of Lambeth Council, has been appointed as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government
• He was previously environment secretary – a post he held for 14 months
• Reed’s appointment is part of a cabinet reshuffle by prime minister Keir Starmer following Angela Rayner’s resignation as deputy prime minister and housing secretary, after she admitted not paying enough tax on her second home
