New housing minister imminent in reshuffle

Housing minister Lucy Frazer has been named the new secretary for culture, media and sport. The move leaves the position of housing minister vacant. Frazer was appointed minister of state for housing and planning on 26 October, just three and a half months ago. A replacement housing minister – the fifteenth since 2010 and the sixth in 12 months – has yet to be announced. BPF chief executive Melanie Leech said the news of yet another change was “hugely frustrating”. “We had begun a very constructive dialogue with Lucy Frazer and it’s hugely frustrating to see the rapid departure of yet another Housing Minister in the middle of both significant policy changes and uncertain market conditions. Above all we need clarity and stability from Government to help unlock the new homes the country so vitally needs.” The move came as part of a wider reshuffle following the sacking of Nadhim Zahawi as Conservative Party chair over his tax affairs. Prime minister Rishi Sunak has also used the reshuffle as an opportunity to fulfil a pledge to reconfigure the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Former business secretary Grant Shapps has become secretary of state for a new energy and net zero department, while Michelle Donelan becomes secretary of state for science, innovation and technology. One-time local government minister Kemi Badenoch has been made secretary of state for business and trade. She remains as president of the board of trade, and minister for women and equalities. Peter Hardy, real estate partner at Addleshaw Goddard, said: “The number of housing ministers we’ve seen over the last ten years would be comical were it not such a crucial role. The real estate sector deserves a committed and knowledgeable minister for housing, not someone who has only a surface-level understanding of the many myriad issues it’s faced with.” He added that perhaps it was time for the role to be outsourced. “If there’s nobody within the commons that fits the bill, the prime minister should take on an experienced housing industry professional from outside government. This could be someone who has served in a prominent position for a major sector body, a property company or even a lawyer. We need someone who understands the industry and all of its nuances. This is important stuff.” To send feedback, e-mail piers.wehner@eg.co.uk or tweet @PiersWehner or @EGPropertyNews Image © Jonathan Hordle/Shutterstock