Steve Reed replaces Angela Rayner as Housing Secretary

Steve Reed (pictured) has been appointed Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, following the resignation of Angela Rayner.

He was previously Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs between July 2024 and September 2025.

Reed has served as MP for Streatham and Croydon North since July 2024.

His responsibilities now include housing and planning, local Government and English devolution, regional and local growth, tackling homelessness and rough sleeping, and public appointments.

Ben Beadle, CEO of the 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.”

Beadle added: “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.”

Jonathan Layzell, CEO at Stonewater, said: “We would like to welcome Mr Reed to the role of Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

“It is important that this appointment has been made swiftly to avoid uncertainty for the sector.

“The government’s ambitious targets and strong investment in affordable housing have played a crucial role in enabling housing providers like Stonewater to plan confidently for the long term.”

Layzell added: “These commitments have underpinned our ability to deliver large-scale development programmes and invest in sustainable retrofit projects that help our customers reduce energy bills and live more sustainably.

“It is essential that these commitments remain firm. Continued clarity and consistency from the government will be key to maintaining momentum and ensuring the sector can keep delivering the homes and support our communities need.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Mr Reed and the wider government to meet these goals.”