Angela Rayner has been reappointed as housing secretary less than a year after stepping down from the role following controversy over stamp duty payments on her £800,000 flat in Hove.
Her return comes under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government, with Ms Rayner saying she is pleased to take on the position once again and continue work on housing policy.
Ms Rayner previously resigned as deputy prime minister and housing secretary in September after acknowledging that she had paid the incorrect amount of stamp duty on the property. The issue was later resolved with HM Revenue & Customs in May.
Despite leaving office, government accounts revealed that Ms Rayner received a severance payment of £16,876 following her resignation.
Rayner Returns With Renewed Focus
Following her reappointment, Ms Rayner said she was committed to continuing the government’s housing plans and supporting communities across the country.
In a statement shared online, she said the government’s ambition for stronger growth across all areas would require building on previous work and delivering the changes promised to the public.
Her return forms part of a wider cabinet reshuffle, which saw former housing minister John Healey appointed as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Steve Reed, who previously held the housing secretary position under Keir Starmer, has left government.
Meanwhile, Matthew Pennycook remains as minister of state for housing and planning, continuing his role after helping guide the Renters’ Rights Bill through Parliament.
Housing Challenges Remain a Priority
Industry figures have welcomed Ms Rayner’s return while highlighting the major challenges facing the housing sector.
Nathan Emerson, chief executive of Propertymark, said housing must remain a key government priority, particularly with significant reforms ahead and the commitment to build 1.5 million new homes across England.
He said the sector faces a demanding period, with new legislation being introduced alongside the challenge of increasing housing supply to meet future demand.
Mark Chick, director at ALEP and senior partner at Bishop & Sewell LLP, said Ms Rayner’s previous experience could help provide continuity, particularly around leasehold reform.
He added that her return could mean less time is needed to become familiar with ongoing policy discussions, describing the move as a continuation of existing work on leasehold issues.
Industry Welcomes Housing Secretary Appointment
Vanessa Hale, chief executive of Real Estate:UK, welcomed the reshuffle, saying the new cabinet brings a mix of experience, stability and fresh ideas.
She said John Healey’s appointment as Chancellor could provide reassurance for the housing and property sectors, particularly given his previous experience as a housing minister.
Ms Hale also welcomed Ms Rayner’s return, noting that the sector had previously worked closely with her and hoped she would quickly restart discussions on increasing housebuilding and supporting communities.
With major housing reforms, rental market changes and housebuilding targets ahead, industry leaders say the government’s approach to housing will remain closely watched in the months ahead.
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