New PM Theresa May reshuffled rapidly on taking up residence at Number 10, with some well-known faces for the property industry shifted out, including former housing minister Brandon Lewis, ex-communities secretary Greg Clark, and special advisers Jackie Sadek and Richard Blakeway. Here EG maps out the new faces
Sajid Javid Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government
In his first appearance before MPs as head of the DCLG, former business secretary Javid indicated that housing would be his top priority. The pro-devolution player said existing deals would not be revisited. On business rates reforms, he said, “some distribution will be necessary” to make sure no council loses out.
Power Bringing the business perspective to local government.
Weakness Criticised for his slow reaction during the Tata Steel crisis.
Catchphrase “Delivering the huge numbers of housing vitally needed across the UK.”
Chris Grayling Transport Secretary
The pro-Brexit former leader of the House of Commons has committed to HS2 despite cost concerns. The initial plan is for a new line from London to Birmingham, with later extensions to Manchester and Leeds. He also said he wants to make a quick decision on where a new airport runway will be built to meet growing demand.
Power Experience. Spent nearly two years as shadow transport secretary.
Weakness Controversies include a run in with UK Statistics Authority.
Catchphrase “We need a better transport system for the 21st century.”
Andrew Percy Minister for the Northern Powerhouse
Of his appointment, the MP for Brigg and Goole, East Yorkshire wrote: “As constituents will be aware, I’ve never chased
a ministerial job. However, we do live in somewhat bizarre times. Anyway, I have decided to accept this position and, as a proud Northerner, it is one of the few roles in government I would actually quite relish.”
Power Bridging the gap between the Labour powers of the North and the Conservative ruling party.
Weakness No ministerial experience.
Catchphrase “The government is committed to rebalancing the economy.”
Gavin Barwell Minister of State for Housing & Planning, Minister for London
The Croydon Central MP has been tasked with resolving the housing crisis. He also has an add-on role as London minister. He has voiced support for increasing home ownership and promoting a mix of tenures. In his constituency, he has opposed building on the green belt, but supported major town centre development.
Power Election showed ability to snatch victory in the face of expected defeat.
Weakness Little experience in housing and planning.
Catchphrase “Too many people who want the independence of owning their own home can’t afford to.”
John Godfrey Director of Policy for 10 Downing Street
Godfrey is a Scot who joins Number 10 from the City, where he was Legal & General’s corporate affairs director for the past four years. He was previously special adviser to minister of state John Patten and then Douglas Hurd, the home secretary during the Thatcher administration, and he has warned about the threat to the union.
Power He is a PR guru who is good at getting a message across.
Weakness He will have to readjust to politics after 11 years in the City.
Catchphrase Special advisers tend to stay silent.
Marcus Jones Minister for Local Government
One of few ministers to retain their role, Jones has significant experience in both business and local government. As minister for local government, he has pledged to work with London mayor Sadiq Khan to get more affordable homes built and put more responsibility on developers to deliver housing.
Power Ability to engage across parties and with local councils.
Weakness Seen as local government’s “champion in Whitehall”, he faces the challenge of keeping both sides happy.
Catchphrase ‘‘We need to see more homes that are planned for actually being built.”
Lord Bourne Under Secretary of State for Wales Office and for Communities and Local Government
The former energy minister has taken a new role at the DCLG and retained his role at the Welsh Office. An agile and experienced politician who was praised for his role at the Paris climate talks, Bourne has urged business to be proactive in tackling climate change. However, little is known about his views on housing and planning.
Power Brains. Before entering politics, he was a professor of law.
Weakness Lack of experience of housing and planning.
Catchphrase “We must recognise the opportunities that access to the EU’s market represents.”
Lord O’Neill Commercial Secretary to the Treasury
O’Neill’s retention is seen as a sign that May is keen to continue with the devolution agenda. The former Goldman Sachs economist previously said he would quit if plans to boost the North of England economy were downgraded. He has been a key player in the negotiation of devolution deals.
Power An economist by training, he makes convincing arguments for investment.
Weakness He may be disheartened at having to work with a whole new team.
Catchphrase “The Northern Powerhouse must continue.”
Ben Gummer Minister for the Cabinet Office
Former junior health minister Ben Gummer replaces Matthew Hancock as Cabinet Office minister. Responsibilities include reshaping the government property portfolio through the Government Property Unit, which has been charged with reducing the estate from 800 to less than 200 buildings by 2023, and raising £5bn from property sales by 2020.
Power Family connections. He is the son of Tory grandee Lord Gummer.
Weakness Lack of experience. This is a big promotion into a new field.
Catchphrase “One-nation government.”
First Person Jackie Sadek on witnessing the ministerial wipeout
“Up on the ministerial floor, within the space of five minutes, all evidence of Greg Clark and his special advisers had been erased; their personal effects swept into boxes, a new picture of Sajid Javid placed in the frame outside the secretary of state’s office, new name signs for the new secretary of state and for his special advisers (who travel with the individual politician, their futures inextricably bound with their masters) replacing the name signs that had been there a minute before. The private sectaries all donned jackets and ties and combed their hair, the women changed out of their trainers, the tea mugs and half-empty packets of biscuits were all hidden in drawers. Then the principal private secretary and the permanent secretary went down to reception to wait for their new man.”
Read Jackie Sadek’s full account here
