New Local Government Secretary set to be announced as Reed confirms departure

In a letter to Andy Burnham, who became Prime Minister today (20 July), Reed said he was "disappointed to be leaving government now", but wished the new administration "every success".

Reed served as Secretary of State for less than a year, having succeeded Angela Rayner in September 2025. He was the sixth person to hold the role in just five years.

Reed’s replacement has yet to be announced.

The outgoing minister said he was proud of his work on devolution while in office.

He wrote: "I set up a new unit to create a government-wide focus on place and established a model for place-based working that puts real power directly into the hands of communities and public service users in the way you, like me, have long argued for. This needs stronger support from No. 10 if it is to overcome what you correctly identify as 'contradictory positions' in other government departments."

His letter also highlighted his work to re-establish the link between funding and deprivation, plans to crack down on profiteering in the children's accommodation sector, and planning reforms aimed at speeding up housebuilding across the country.

Reed said the reforms included "a radical acceleration package for London where housebuilding had ground to a near-halt under the Conservatives".

He added: "I'm proud we built more new council homes last year than in any other year for 40 years when records first began."

Reed also paid tribute to the outgoing Prime Minister, writing: "Keir Starmer showed loyalty to me by appointing me to his Cabinet. I make no apology for returning that loyalty. It's what is expected of functioning teams, and I hope those who did not show loyalty to Keir will now show it to you. I'm proud I acted with integrity at every step over the turbulent past few months."

He concluded: "I would like to thank the ministerial teams that I have had the honour to lead, the Prime Minister I had the honour to serve, and my family and team who have supported me through this extraordinary chapter."

Adam Carey