Greg Clark named as new housing secretary to replace Gove

News07 Jul 2022James Wilmore

Greg Clark has been appointed to replace Michael Gove as secretary of state at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).

Greg Clark (picture: Chris McAndrew)

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Greg Clark named as new housing secretary to replace Gove #UKHousing

Mr Clark, whose last job in government was as business secretary under Theresa May, takes up the role amid turmoil as prime minister Boris Johnson announced his resignation.

Mr Johnson said in a speech he would step down once a Conservative leadership contest has concluded, probably in the autumn.

Mr Clark’s appointment comes as part of a new cabinet being assembled by Mr Johnson. Kit Malthouse, a former housing minister, has been given the role of chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, the most senior minister in the Cabinet Office after the prime minister.

Reacting to Mr Clark’s appointment, Nicholas Harris, chief executive of Stonewater, the 34,500-home landlord, said: “We urge the government to be mindful that solving the housing crisis requires strong, stable and continuous ministerial leadership and welcome the appointment of Greg Clark as secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities, who we hope can provide the stability the housing sector needs to support and deliver the government’s ambitious housing agenda.”

DLUHC, the department responsible for delivering the government’s flagship levelling-up agenda, experienced an exodus as housing minister Stuart Andrew resigned, along with Kemi Badenoch and Neil O’Brien. Two parliamentary private secretaries at DLUHC, Duncan Baker and Danny Kruger, also quit.

Mr Gove was reportedly sacked by Mr Johnson after he urged the prime minister to step down.

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