Steve Reed to leave farming brief and takeover as Housing Secretary

Steve Reed has been appointed as Housing Secretary in Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's Cabinet reshuffle, bringing his 14 month stint as Defra Secretary to a close.  

Mr Reed will takeover the position which was previously held by Angela Rayner.

Earlier today (September 5), Ms Rayner announced she had quit as Deputy Prime Minister following an investigation which revealed she had broken the ministerial code of conduct due to not paying Stamp Duty Land Tax on a property she purchased in May.

"It is a huge honour to be appointed Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government by Sir Keir Starmer," Mr Reed added.

"Together, we will get Britain building and create a future where everyone has access to affordable, safe homes and thriving communities."

However, Mr Reed has not commented specifically about his time as Defra Secretary and representing farmers in Government.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said despite not always seeing eye to eye with Mr Reed, he hopes the new Housing Secretary can help support farmers overcome planning challenges as he leads the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

"I would also like to thank Steve Reed for his time in post," Mr Bradshaw added.

"Despite not always agreeing, we developed a strong working relationship and his door was always open to the NFU.

"He recognised the planning system needed significant change to enable investment in the farm infrastructure of the future.

"I am confident he will be able to support rural growth and farming communities in his new role."

John McTernan, Sir Tony Blair's former aide who described farming as an industry 'we can do without' and that Britain 'does not need farmers' in an interview last year, said Mr Reed's appointment is a 'great appointment'.

Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, has welcomed the new new Housing Secretary as a 'positive step forward.

"At a time of substantial change for the rental market, we look forward to working constructively with him," Mr Beadle added.

"Top of the agenda will need to be ensuring the smooth implementation of the Renters' Rights Bill.

"Alongside this, there is a desperate need to support long-term investment in new decent quality homes to rent and ensure the private rented sector operates on the basis of trust and confidence between landlords and tenants."

Tim Oliver, chair of the County Councils Network (CCN), a local Government association representing England's county local authorities, said members look forward to working with 'positively and collaboratively' with the former council leader.

"The new Secretary of State inherits some of the biggest and most important policy agendas across Whitehall, with the fair funding review, planning and housing reforms, alongside devolution and local government reorganisation," he added.

"These are seismic changes to the foundations of local government, and with CCN member councils most impacted by these reforms, it is vital the new ministerial team hit the ground running.

"CCN will continue to press the case for sustainable and fair funding through the Government's funding review, a proportionate approach to planning reforms and to deliver wider ranging reforms to special educational needs and social care services.

"Crucially, the new Secretary of State will now ultimately be responsible for taking final decisions on proposals for local Government reorganisation.

"It is absolutely essential that the Government scrutinise and rigorously evaluate all proposals against their own statutory criteria, including ensuring new councils are the right size to achieve efficiencies, improve capacity and withstand financial shocks, whilst minimising the fragmentation of social care services."

However, not all reflected well on Mr Reeds' appointment and time as Defra Secretary.

Shadow Defra Secretary Victoria Atkins said she hopes Mr Reed will not 'concrete over the countryside' in his new role in charge of planning and housing.

In response to the news, Shadow Farming Minister Robbie Moore said: "Good riddance.

"It was clear from day one that Steve Reed - who represents one of the most urban areas in the country - was installed by the Prime Minister to jump-start Labour's vindictive attack on our farmers and the countryside. 

"He failed our farming community and completely shredded any sense of trust - something that will take years to repair. 

"Many will be thinking that things can only get better for our farmers - but having had a taste of 'phase 2' of this Government already, my fear is things are going to get much worse."

More of the story to follow.