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Sector reacts to Esther McVey’s exit and ‘revolving door’ of housing ministers

News13.02.202.15 PM by Jack Simpson

The sector has reacted to the cabinet reshuffle in which housing minister Esther McVey was sacked from her role after just six months.

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Picture: Getty
Picture: Getty
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LinkedIn IHThe sector has reacted to the cabinet reshuffle in which housing minister Esther McVey was sacked from her role after just six months #ukhousing
LinkedIn IHWhat does the sector think of Esther McVey’s sacking as housing minister? @insidehousing rounds up the sector’s reactions here #ukhousing

Ms McVey tweeted this morning that she was sorry to be relieved of her duties as housing minister. Her replacement will be the 19th housing minister since 1997.

There was also a shock resignation from chancellor Sajid Javid. Rishi Sunak, chief secretary to the Treasury, replaced Mr Javid.

Reacting to the Ms McVey’s exit, David Montague, chief executive of L&Q, said: “Ten housing ministers in 10 years tells its own story, but we now need to look to the future. With the uncertainty of Brexit starting to recede, we need government to take a long-term, strategic view of housing.

“The general election result in December saw many communities vote Conservative for the first time. The government needs to take an inclusive approach to housing by delivering quality homes and thriving neighbourhoods for everyone.

“This means support for social housing must be as important as homeownership.

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“As ever, L&Q stands ready to work with the new housing minister and this government to help deliver those quality homes, services and neighbourhoods.”

Another senior figure from a large housing association in the South, who preferred not be named, told Inside Housing: “Despite all the initial moaning from some northern associations, Ms McVey was a thoughtful presence who put real effort into getting the housing story.

“She will be missed. Hopefully the sector will put more effort into positively engaging with the new minister and not moaning about the 10th Tory housing minister in 10 years.”

Kate Henderson, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, praised Ms McVey for her work with associations.

Damien Sharkey, managing director at Hub, said: “The job of housing minister is a heavy crown to bear, so Ms McVey’s successor must be ready and willing to commit him or herself to tackling Britain’s housing affordability crisis.

“While her six month-long stint in the cabinet was as a short one, Ms McVey is credited with acknowledging the important role different housing models can play in alleviating Britain’s homes shortage, including build-to-rent and co-living.

“Britain has the opportunity to pioneer high-quality housing that is affordable, setting an example to the rest of the world.

“Though, to achieve this, the seemingly endless churn of housing ministers must come to an end while the government adopts a long-term and strategic plan to deliver the homes we need.”

Here a number of other tweets reacting to Ms McVey’s exit:

Govt agency/department/organisationPolicy
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