New housing minister named in cabinet reshuffle

He has also previously held parliamentary under-secretary roles in the Wales Office and the Ministry of Defence. 

Before being elected to parliament, Mr Andrew led the fundraising team for Martin House Hospice.

Mr Andrew will replace Christopher Pincher, who has held the role of housing minister since February 2020. 

He will be the 20th person to hold the role of housing minister since 1997. 

It has not yet been announced whether Mr Pincher has been given a new role. 

In 2016, Mr Andrew was one of 72 MPs who voted down a Labour amendment to ensure private landlords made their homes fit for human habitation. 

It came two years before the House of Commons passed the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act, which was introduced by Labour MP Karen Buck. 

Mr Andrew has also previously campaigned against homes being built on the green belt in Yorkshire. 

Richard Beresford, chief executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), welcomed Mr Andrew to his new role but said he had a tough job on his hands.

He added: "We desperately need an engaged housing minister who understands the planning systems impact on levelling up, SME builders and the broader housing crisis.”