In the latest cabinet reshuffle under the Labour government, significant attention has been directed at the housing sector following the resignation of Angela Rayner as Housing Secretary.
With the UK facing one of the worst housing crises in decades, this change in leadership has raised pressing questions about the direction of housing policy and who will take the reins of this critical portfolio.
This article provides an in-depth look at who has been appointed as the new Housing Minister, their background, priorities, the sector’s response, and the challenges that lie ahead.
What Led to Angela Rayner’s Resignation as Housing Secretary?
Angela Rayner’s resignation from her position as Housing Secretary on Friday, 5 September 2025, marked a major shift in the Labour government’s approach to housing policy.
While the official reason given was the need for a refreshed cabinet team, her departure has stirred speculation around internal disagreements and performance concerns.
Rayner held the housing brief for only nine months but was considered a high-profile member of the Labour cabinet, also serving as Deputy Leader.
During her tenure, she advocated for renters’ rights, expanded social housing initiatives, and introduced early drafts of planning reforms aimed at decentralising approval processes.
Her resignation came at a time when housing delivery targets were falling behind, and concerns were growing about the execution of the government’s housing plans.
Her departure triggered a swift reaction from the government, with a new appointment announced within hours to ensure continuity in leadership, signalling the critical importance of the housing portfolio to the broader governmental agenda.
Who Has Been Appointed as the New Housing Minister?
Steve Reed OBE, MP for Streatham and Croydon North, has officially been appointed as the new Secretary of State for Housing.
The announcement was made shortly after Rayner stepped down, reflecting a quick transition designed to keep the government’s housing ambitions on track.
Reed was previously the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. He is known for his pragmatic leadership style and experience in both local and national government.
His appointment has been received as a strategic decision by Prime Minister Rachel Reeves, aiming to position a results-oriented leader at the helm of one of the most pressing departments in government.
In his first statement following the appointment, Reed emphasised the urgency of addressing the housing crisis and pledged to oversee the construction of 1.5 million new homes by the end of the current parliamentary term.
He highlighted the need for collaboration across departments, local authorities, and the private sector to accelerate progress.
Who Is Steve Reed, the New Housing Secretary?
Steve Reed, OBE MP, is a seasoned British politician currently serving as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
He assumed office on 5 September 2025, succeeding Angela Rayner in one of the most pivotal cabinet roles under Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government.
Reed represents the constituency of Streatham and Croydon North, having served previously as the MP for Croydon North since his election in a 2012 by-election.
A member of the Labour and Co-operative Party, he has built a career defined by local government leadership, policy reform, and social advocacy.
Political Career Overview
Reed’s path to the cabinet was shaped by his earlier work in both local and national politics. He was the Leader of Lambeth Council from 2006 to 2012, where he led the transformation of the borough from one of London’s worst-rated councils to a three-star rating by 2009 under the Audit Commission.
His tenure at Lambeth also saw him co-chair the Vauxhall-Nine Elms-Battersea regeneration board, which drove a 20,000-home redevelopment initiative.
After entering Parliament in 2012, Reed held various shadow cabinet positions including:
- Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (2020–2021)
- Shadow Secretary of State for Justice (2021–2023)
- Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (2023–2024)
He became Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in July 2024 and held the post until his recent appointment as Housing Secretary.
Steve Reed’s Cabinet and Parliamentary Roles
| Role | Term | Prime Minister |
| Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government | From September 2025 | Keir Starmer |
| Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | July 2024 – September 2025 | Keir Starmer |
| MP for Streatham and Croydon North | November 2012 – Present | – |
| Leader of Lambeth Council | 2006 – 2012 | – |
Early Life and Local Government Contributions
Born on 12 November 1963 in St Albans, Hertfordshire, Steven Mark Ward Reed studied English at the University of Sheffield and began his career in educational publishing.
He worked for prominent organisations such as Routledge, Sweet & Maxwell, and the Law Society before transitioning fully into politics.
His local government career started in 1998 when he was elected as a councillor in Lambeth. He served in this role until his parliamentary election in 2012.
During his leadership at Lambeth Council, he championed innovation in public service delivery, most notably by launching a consultation to turn Lambeth into the UK’s first co-operative council.
This model aimed to give residents more direct control over local services and decision-making.
Reed also held numerous positions of influence during his time in local government:
- Deputy Leader of Local Government Labour
- Deputy Chair of the Local Government Association
- Chair of Central London Forward (representing five London boroughs)
- Board member on the London Enterprise Partnership
- London Board member of the Homes and Communities Agency (2009–2011)
These roles helped establish him as one of the most influential council leaders in the country, earning him national recognition and eventually a seat in Parliament.
Social Advocacy and Policy Initiatives
Throughout his political career, Reed has focused on social justice, housing reform, and mental health advocacy.
Notably, he introduced legislation to increase transparency around the use of physical restraint in mental health settings, following the death of a constituent, Olaseni Lewis. His bill mandated that police wear body cameras when attending mental health facilities.
In the area of animal welfare, as Environment Secretary, he proposed ambitious policies including a ban on trail hunting and the import of non-compliant food products such as foie gras.
While some of these proposals were criticised for lacking progress, they demonstrated his commitment to aligning UK environmental and welfare standards with public expectations.
Personal Life and Recognition
Reed is openly gay and married his partner in July 2022. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2013 Birthday Honours for his services to local government.
In July 2024, he was sworn into the Privy Council, granting him the title of The Right Honourable.
What Experience Does Steve Reed Bring to the Housing Secretary Role?
Steve Reed brings substantial experience from both the public and private sectors. Before entering Parliament in 2012, he was deeply involved in local governance.
As the leader of Lambeth Council from 2006 to 2012, Reed co-chaired the Vauxhall-Nine Elms-Battersea regeneration board. This initiative included a 20,000-home redevelopment project, demonstrating his familiarity with large-scale housing initiatives.
Additionally, Reed has a commercial background in business and educational publishing, offering him insight into public-private collaboration models and efficient project management.
As an MP, he has served in multiple shadow cabinet roles, including Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.
His leadership style is widely described as consultative and action-focused, with a track record of supporting urban regeneration projects, housing association collaborations, and community-led development.
Key highlights of his background include:
- Leadership of Lambeth Council during major urban development
- Experience managing regeneration projects with housing and infrastructure components
- Time in Parliament focused on social justice, community development, and environmental sustainability
What Are Steve Reed’s Key Housing Priorities?
The new Housing Secretary has set a clear agenda focused on large-scale housing development and systemic reform. His top priority is to deliver 1.5 million new homes by the end of the parliamentary term, which he describes as a national mission.
His housing priorities include:
- Accelerating construction through planning system reform
- Increasing the availability of affordable and social housing
- Tackling homelessness and unsafe housing conditions
- Strengthening partnerships with local councils and housing associations
- Supporting first-time buyers through policy incentives
Reed’s department has also emphasised the importance of sustainability and community cohesion in future housing plans. He has committed to integrating environmental standards into new developments and ensuring housing supports broader goals such as employment access and local economic development.
How Has the Housing Sector Reacted to Steve Reed’s Appointment?
The housing industry and related stakeholders have responded with cautious optimism. While there is general approval of Reed’s experience and leadership, many have reiterated the scale of the challenges he will face.
Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation, welcomed the appointment, stating that they are eager to work with Reed to deliver “a decade of renewal” in the housing sector. Her comments reflect a desire for long-term policy continuity and more proactive engagement from central government.
Brian Berry, CEO of the Federation of Master Builders, noted the lack of progress under previous leadership. He pointed out that despite high-profile policy announcements, housing delivery remains below the necessary threshold of 300,000 new homes per year. Berry also raised concerns about the potential impact of landfill tax reforms on construction costs.
Other reactions have come from advocacy groups such as End Our Cladding Scandal, who are calling on the new Housing Secretary to take urgent action on unresolved building safety issues.
Leaseholders and residents affected by unsafe cladding continue to face legal and financial uncertainties, and Reed has been urged to use his new role to provide national-level oversight and resolution.
What Are the Challenges Ahead for the New Housing Secretary?
Steve Reed enters his new role during a period of severe pressure on the housing market. A persistent housing shortage, rising house prices, and stagnant wages have created a situation in which many families are unable to afford homeownership or access adequate rental options.
The following are the most pressing challenges Reed faces:
- Meeting construction targets: Achieving the goal of 1.5 million new homes will require an unprecedented pace of development.
- Planning system delays: The current planning framework is widely considered inefficient and bureaucratic.
- Rising construction costs: Material and labour costs are increasing, posing a risk to affordability.
- Cladding and safety issues: Thousands of buildings still require remediation for unsafe cladding.
- Lack of support for first-time buyers: Existing government schemes are insufficient, with little impact on real affordability.
The scope of these challenges means that quick wins may be limited, and success will depend on sustained policy coordination.
Housing Challenges and Their Impact
| Challenge | Description | Impact on Housing Sector |
| Housing Shortage | Not enough homes to meet demand | Increased prices, overcrowding, housing insecurity |
| Planning System Bottlenecks | Slow approvals and local resistance | Delayed projects, lost investor confidence |
| High Construction Costs | Inflation and tax changes affecting builders | Fewer affordable homes built |
| Unsafe Buildings & Cladding | Legacy of poor construction practices | Financial burden on leaseholders |
| First-time Buyer Accessibility | Limited government support and high deposit requirements | Reduced homeownership rates |
How Might Reed’s Leadership Influence UK Housing Policy?
Reed’s previous work in local government and Parliament points toward a housing policy that is deeply grounded in regional engagement and practical implementation. Unlike more theoretical or policy-heavy approaches, Reed favours on-the-ground execution with clear accountability.
He is expected to place housing at the core of Labour’s wider levelling-up strategy, aligning it with employment, transport, and infrastructure development. Reed has already signalled plans to work more closely with local authorities to unblock planning backlogs and support councils in initiating their own development projects.
He may also champion reforms to the landlord and tenant regulatory framework, focusing on rental stability and tenant protections. His tenure is likely to include increased scrutiny of housing associations and private developers to ensure commitments are met.
Expected Policy Shifts Under Steve Reed
| Policy Area | Current Status | Anticipated Change |
| Planning Reform | Slow, decentralised | Faster approvals, national coordination |
| Affordable Housing | Targets not consistently met | Increased funding, land access reform |
| Housing Safety | Cladding and remediation issues persist | Stronger oversight and national intervention |
| First-time Buyer Support | Limited schemes, high barriers | New buyer schemes, deposit support, mortgage reforms |
| Local Government Role | Restricted authority in development | Empowered councils with direct building powers |
What Can We Expect Next from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities?
Under Steve Reed’s leadership, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) is expected to take on a more proactive role in coordinating the delivery of housing projects across the UK.
Immediate next steps include:
- Reviewing ongoing housing development projects and setting new delivery benchmarks
- Issuing policy guidance to streamline planning decisions at local levels
- Announcing updated support packages for affordable housing providers
- Establishing a cross-departmental taskforce to manage housing-related infrastructure needs
- Initiating public consultations on long-term reforms in housing finance and rental regulations
Reed is also likely to place emphasis on data transparency and performance tracking, which will allow the public and stakeholders to assess the progress of the department more effectively.
Conclusion
Steve Reed’s background and early statements suggest he is well-prepared to tackle the demands of his new role. His history in local government, combined with his national political experience, positions him as a potentially transformative figure in UK housing policy.
However, success will depend on his ability to deliver results quickly and manage the conflicting interests of developers, councils, and residents. The housing crisis demands bold and sustained action, and Reed’s tenure will ultimately be judged on whether Britain can meet its housing goals and provide safe, affordable homes for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications does Steve Reed have for the housing secretary role?
Steve Reed has over a decade of political experience, including time as a council leader and MP. He has been involved in large-scale regeneration projects and has held various cabinet roles, giving him relevant expertise.
What is Steve Reed’s stance on affordable housing?
Reed supports a strong emphasis on affordable and social housing. His vision includes building 1.5 million homes and ensuring that affordability remains central to all development efforts.
What changes might occur in planning laws under Reed?
There are indications that Reed will push for streamlined planning laws to remove development barriers and speed up construction, though specific reforms have yet to be confirmed.
How does Steve Reed plan to handle unsafe cladding issues?
While a detailed plan has not yet been announced, housing groups like End Our Cladding Scandal have called for urgent action. It is expected that Reed will work closely with safety regulators and housing associations to address the issue.
How does Reed’s approach differ from Angela Rayner’s?
While both emphasised housing reform, Reed appears more focused on immediate construction goals and streamlining planning. His experience in local governance may result in a more operational and pragmatic approach.
What is the government’s target for new housing?
The Labour government, under Reed’s leadership, has committed to building 1.5 million new homes by the end of the current parliamentary term.
How will the housing department track progress under Reed?
Progress is expected to be monitored through construction data, planning approvals, and collaboration with local councils and developers. Regular public updates may also be issued to ensure transparency.
