New housing minister announced by Theresa May
Having announced a raft of changes to her cabinet last week, Prime Minister Theresa May waited until this weekend to announce a new appointment of Gavin Barwell MP for minister of state for housing, planning and minister for London at the Department for Communities and Local Government.
The junior ministerial role was among dozens announced on Sunday and ends days of speculation on the future of the former minister Brandon Lewis, who has been moved to a role as Minister of State for Policing and Fire Service.
Gavin Barwell is the MP for Croydon Central, itself a property hotspot, and he was seen earlier this year talking to potential purchasers at the First Time Buyer Show, held at the Fairfield Halls in April.
On Twitter, Barwell announced: "Looking forward to working with councils, housing associations, developers and investors to ensure we build the homes people need and deserve. And to working with the Mayor of London to ensure the continued success of our wonderful diverse capital - and that all Londoners share in it."
Housing industry figures are likely to be disappointed that housing remains a junior ministerial role and not represented directly in the cabinet, as Barwell inherits a policy which promises one million new homes over the duration of this parliament, a significant proportion of which will be related to its Starter Home Initiative, bringing below-market value homes to first-time buyers under the age of 40.