Michael Gove – one of the most senior and controversial figures in modern politics – is the new Housing Secretary. 

Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, says of the news: “We welcome Michael Gove to his new position and look forward to working with him to ensure the rental market works for responsible landlords and tenants alike.

“Key to this will be addressing the supply crisis in the sector by developing pro-growth policies that recognise the vital contribution it makes to housing millions of people across the country.”

The association says A wide-ranging survey of private landlords across England and Wales, conducted in partnership with research consultancy BVA/BDRC, found that 39 per cent confirmed that demand for homes to rent had increased in the second quarter of 2021 – an eight per cent increase on the first quarter of the year.  

This data also reveals that demand has reached a five-year high.

In addition to that problem, Gove will also be charged with leading the introduction of the long-awaited White Paper on rental reform, now expected to be previewed around the time of the Conservative party conference next month.

Gove takes over from Robert Jenrick, who was one of the first figures sacked by Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday. 

Jenrick, MP for Newark, had been Secretary of State for Housing since July 2019.

After the sacking he tweeted: “It’s been a huge privilege to serve as Secretary of State @mhclg.”