Steve Reed takes on housing challenge following Rayner's resignation over stamp duty row Submitted by daniel on Mon, 08/09/2025 - 05:30 Picture Image Steve Reed OBE has been appointed secretary of state for housing, communities and local government following the resignation of Angela Rayner. Reed, the MP for Streatham and Croydon North since 2012, will take on the housing brief after serving 14 months as secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs. Reed inherits the mandate to oversee the building of 1.5 million new homes during the current Parliament, as the Home Builders Federation (HBF) warned that the number of residential units receiving planning permission is at its lowest quarter total since 2012. Read more about Steve Reed takes on housing challenge following Rayner's resignation over stamp duty rowAdd new comment