Lee Rowley becomes 16th Housing Minister in just over a decade

Lee Rowley MP has been appointed Minister for Housing at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities as part of this week's extensive cabinet reshuffle.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's decision makes Rowley the 16th appointment to the position since Grant Shapps, who left the role in 2012.

Rowley, who previously held the position for one month during Liz Truss's short-lived Government, replaces Rachel Maclean, who had been in the position for just nine months.

Commenting on her sacking, Maclean said: "I've been asked to step down from my role as Housing Minister. Disappointed and was looking forward to introducing the Renters Reform Bill to Committee tomorrow and later the Leasehold and Freehold Bill. It has been a privilege to hold the position and I wish my successor well.

"I want to thank everyone in @luhc who it has been a huge pleasure to work with as well as all those who have given their time, commitment and energy to work with me and inform policy on this vital agenda. I will never lose my passion for housing and planning."

As part of the extensive reshuffle, former councillor Simon Hoare MP has also been appointed as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Commenting on his appointment, Hoare said: “I was fortunate to serve, before becoming an MP, as a Parish, District and County councillor between 2002-2015 so it’s ‘nice to be home’”.

Hoare’s local government career saw him elected as a councillor at West Oxfordshire District Council and Oxfordshire County Council.

Meanwhile, Victoria Atkins MP was appointed Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

Steve Barclay MP, who was previously the Health and Social Care Secretary, has now been appointed Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Adam Carey