Simon Clarke has been confirmed as the new Housing Secretary in the Cabinet of new Prime Minister Liz Truss this evening.
He replaces Greg Clark who was in the role of Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for just eight weeks.
Clark had taken the position following Michael Gove’s sacking by Boris Johnson.
Clarke paid tribute to his short-term predecessor, who he claimed, despite being in the role for two months had made “real achievements.”
He said: “There are real achievements, from the new homelessness strategy to the new East Midlands Mayoralty – but more than that, he has led the Department with his customary good humour, tact and intelligence.
“A class act.”
Clarke was previously Chief Secretary to the Treasury and returns to the Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities where he was a minister in February 2020.
Commenting on his new role, Clarke said: “It’s a huge honour to be appointed Secretary of State for the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
"Delivering on levelling up for communities in all parts of our country, unlocking the homes we need and supporting the economic growth that is so central to Liz Truss' government is our mission - will give it my all.
“This is a department that I know really well, and which I am so looking forward to returning to - the commitment and expertise of officials there on themes as diverse as homelessness, building safety and devolution is second to none.”
It is unclear if there will be a new Housing Minister.
Outlining her priorities outside Number 10 Downing Street today, Truss said ow is the time to "tackle the issues that are holding Britain back."
Her speech was light on detail but promised action on energy bills.
There was little on housing except a brief flurry of words in the speech that said: "We need to build roads, homes and broadband faster.
"We need more investment and great jobs in every town and city across our country.
"We need to reduce the burden on families and help people get on in life."
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This position is a joke, it changes hands now every few months at least , with each new appointment having zero experience in housing
I agree and its impossible to build ( no pun intended) any lasting housing policy whilst the position is like a revolving door. Lets hope he keeps his position for enough time to do anything meaningful.
When the position of Prime Minister is a revolving door (4 in 6 years), one can hardly expect anything different for the housing secretary.
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