In yet another reshuffle at the top of housing policy, Steve Reed has become the 12th Housing Secretary since 2010.

The former Environment Secretary replaces Angela Rayner, who resigned following controversy over the stamp duty scandal. His appointment comes as the Renters’ Rights Bill returns to Parliament for its final stages today (September 8th) .

“Build, baby, build”
Mr Reed, MP for Streatham and Croydon North, previously led Lambeth Council from 2006 to 2012. He has voiced strong support for the Renters’ Rights Bill, writing on Facebook:  “Labour’s Renters’ Rights Bill will provide protection for millions of renters.”

On taking up his new role, Mr Reed pledged to prioritise housebuilding. According to The Telegraph, he told officials his mantra was “build, baby, build”, adding:  “I will leave no stone unturned to build the homes Britain desperately needs.”

In a post on X, he said:  “It’s a huge honour to be appointed Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government by Keir Starmer. Together, we will get Britain building and create a future where everyone has access to affordable, safe homes and thriving communities.”

Reaction to appointment
Tenant campaign group Generation Rent welcomed the appointment, posting:  “We look forward to working with you at a critical time for renters who are relying on the Renters’ Rights Bill to finally end unfair evictions and who desperately need breathing space from the soaring cost of renting.”

Faraz Baber, chief operating officer at 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 of the challenges of local government. Furthermore, as a former portfolio lead for housing across London Councils, combined with his time at the Department for Environment, he has a rich mix of direct experience. This should greatly help in delivering the ambitious 1.5m homes target. Very importantly, his experience will also support the UK’s transition to green energy through new infrastructure such as onshore wind and solar.”