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Morning Briefing: new year, new housing minister?
As MPs return to parliament for the first time in 2018, speculation mounts about a reshuffle and the government’s approach to housing.
In the news
All the papers are filled with speculation on a reshuffle by Theresa May, which most predict will last from today until tomorrow.
Initial rumours that the PM would create a new secretary of state for housing have died down, though an editorial in The Sun this morning calls for just that. An editorial in Conservative Home has the same view.
Most agree that the focus will be on rewarding successful junior ministers, and The Times tips housing minister Alok Sharma to be one of them, saying he “has impressed with a low-profile but competent handling of the tricky housing brief”.
Ordinarily, the promotion of a housing minister would mean the arrival of a previously unknown face in the role, but Ms May’s advisors have told The Guardian that the new year will see a domestic policy drive with housing a key focus. This could lead the prime minister to appoint a more recognised figure.
Elsewhere, accountancy firm KPMG has quit its advisory role to the Grenfell Inquiry after it was criticised for a potential conflict of interest, the BBC reports.
The BBC also has a story on the ongoing struggles of services and construction group Carillion, which will reveal a new business plan this week.
In local news, the Southern Daily Echo reports that Fareham Borough Council is planning to force developers to consult Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service over planning applications for high-rise buildings.
On social media
CONFIRMED: May will reshuffle her cabinet on Monday and lower ranks on Tuesday
— Tim Shipman (@ShippersUnbound)CONFIRMED: May will reshuffle her cabinet on Monday and lower ranks on Tuesday
— Tim Shipman (@ShippersUnbound) January 6, 2018
RESHUFFLE: Big push on women and ethnic minority promotions in the lower ranks
— Tim Shipman (@ShippersUnbound)RESHUFFLE: Big push on women and ethnic minority promotions in the lower ranks
— Tim Shipman (@ShippersUnbound) January 6, 2018
Others tipped for promotion; Claire Perry (business minister), Sarah Newton (DWP min), @AlokSharma_RDG (housing min) and @JamesCleverly (PPS to Brandon Lewis)
— Beth Rigby (@BethRigby)Others tipped for promotion; Claire Perry (business minister), Sarah Newton (DWP min), @AlokSharma_RDG (housing min) and @JamesCleverly (PPS to Brandon Lewis)
— Beth Rigby (@BethRigby) January 8, 2018
What’s on
Politics is back underway with an evidence session on the Draft Tenants’ Fees Bill. Academics will go before the Communities and Local Government Select Committee to discuss the proposals from 4.30pm.
