The former Labour MP Karen Buck, now Generation Rent’s chair, has officially welcomed the activist group’s new chief executive.

She’s Holly Williamson, who until recently was head of the office of current Labour MP John Healey. She left that post shortly before Healey was appointed as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

A statement from Buck says: “The Generation Rent Board and I are delighted to welcome Holly Williamson as our new Chief Executive, as we enter this critical new phase for tenants. 

“Ben Twomey [former chief executive and himself a former Labour election candidate] steered our talented team through the successful campaign to deliver the Renter’s [sic] Rights Act and he leaves with our grateful thanks. 

“Now Holly will lead us into the next stage, with its focus on enforcement, tackling the soaring cost of renting and ensuring the tenant’s voice is heard in the democratic process.”

Williamson herself adds: “Homes are the foundations of our lives, so I’m delighted to join Generation Rent as its new Chief Executive. 

“The Renters’ Rights Act was a landmark change for renters in England, but there is still a long way to go until every renter across the UK has the good quality, secure and affordable home we need. 

“As a renter myself, I’m really excited to get going and make sure private renters’ experiences and needs are heard in the corridors of power across the UK.”