Reshuffle: Michael Gove replaces Robert Jenrick as secretary of state for housing

In 2020, he unveiled a suite of measures dubbed by the government as the “biggest changes to building safety in a generation”, including laying the groundwork to establish a new building safety regulator.

Elsewhere, questions were raised over his relationship with a Conservative Party donor, in relation to an approval of an east London property development. After a legal challenge by Tower Hamlets Council, the local authority in which the Westferry Printworks site had been earmarked, Mr Jenrick later accepted his decision had been unlawful on the grounds of ’apparent bias’.

Following the reshuffle today, Mr Jenrick posted on Twitter: “It’s been a huge privilege to serve as secretary of state. Thank you to everyone at the department for their hard work, dedication and friendship. I’m deeply proud of all we achieved. I will continue to support the prime minister and the government in every way I can.”

Soon after, his former minister Simon Clarke responded on Twitter: "It was a pleasure and a privilege to serve under Rob. He worked tirelessly to support councils through the COVID pandemic, alongside all his other work from housing reform to building safety to the huge progress made in tackling homelessness.”

A spokesperson for No10 Downing Street said: “Robert Jenrick has led crucial work over the past two years, most importantly driving reforms to build more houses so homeownership becomes a reality for many more people. The prime minister is grateful for his drive and commitment.”

Mr Gove’s previous roles in government include education secretary, from May 2010 to July 2014, chief whip and parliamentary secretary to treasury, from July 2014 to May 2015, and justice secretary, from May 2015 to July 2016.

The former journalist was also shadow minister for housing from 2005 to 2007.