Steve Reed Named New Housing Secretary - Property118

In the ever-revolving door of Housing Secretaries, Steve Reed has become the 12th person to take on the role 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 reaches its final stages and returns to Parliament today.

Build, baby, build

Mr Reed, the MP for Streatham and Croydon North, was previously the leader of Lambeth Council from 2006 to 2012.

He also supports the Renters’ Rights Bill, and in a Facebook post said: “Labour’s Renters’ Rights Bill will provide protection for millions of renters.”

As Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Mr Reed has promised to “build, baby, build.”

According to The Telegraph, he told officials in the department that his mantra was “build, baby, build” and added: “I will leave no stone unturned to build the homes Britain desperately needs.”

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Reed 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

Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), said: “We welcome Steve Reed’s appointment as Housing Secretary.

“At a time of substantial change for the rental market, we look forward to working constructively with him. Top of the agenda will need to be ensuring the smooth implementation of the Renters’ Rights Bill.

“Alongside this there is a desperate need to support long-term investment in new decent quality homes to rent and ensure the private rented sector operates on the basis of trust and confidence between landlords and tenants.”

On a post on X, formerly Twitter, Generation Rent also welcomed the appointment

The tenant group said:: “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, 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 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. Also very importantly, his experience will ensure the UK can meets its transition to green energy through new green infrastructure such as onshore wind and solar.