Jenrick and McVey to head housing

Robert Jenrick has become housing secretary and Esther McVey has been appointed housing minister in Boris Johnson’s cabinet overhaul. Jenrick replaces James Brokenshire, who held the role for 15 months. Jenrick was formerly exchequer secretary to the treasury. The UK’s youngest MP entered parliament following a by-election in June 2014. Brokenshire stepped down from his role yesterday, opting to head for the backbenches. Shortly after his election, Jenrick was appointed parliamentary private secretary to then-employment minister McVey. Jenrick was opposed to Brexit. He voted to remain, and later voted against a no-deal Brexit and was in favour of a second referendum. Earlier this year, Jenrick spoke at EG’s Growth Corridor event. He said he wanted to “renew the dream” of home ownership and encourage public infrastructure investment. McVey takes over from Kit Malthouse, who was appointed as housing minister last July. She is the ninth housing minister in as many years. The MP for Tatton was work and pensions secretary from January 2018 to November 2018. She resigned from her position in opposition to Brexit negotiations. In June she stood for Conversative Party leader, but was eliminated in the first round after finishing in last place with just nine votes. In her leadership race she said she would support a Brexiteer-only cabinet until the UK leaves the EU. Executives in the real estate industry have given a cautious welcome to Johnson’s election as prime minister, with one going so far as to suggest he could “provide the spark the commercial property industry has been seeking”. To send feedback, e-mail emma.rosser@egi.co.uk or tweet @EmmaARosser or @estatesgazette