Lee Rowley has jumped back onto the ministerial merry-go-round, recently announced as the new housing minister, a position he held during the short-lived premiership of Liz Truss.

Rowley — who, since last autumn, had served as the parliamentary undersecretary of state for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) — has taken centre stage in charge of the Renters Reform Bill. 

He replaced Rachel Maclean, who was asked to step down as part of the government reshuffle. Paul Stevens, executive director at Centrus, commented: “Despite being the portfolio most in need of longevity and consistency, the UK government now welcomes its 16th housing minister since 2010.

“With a likely election next year, Lee Rowley is set to serve a limited term — but this does not mean he cannot make vital change. Social and affordable housing must be a focus.

“Short-termism gets us nowhere — a long-term plan which allows housing associations to deliver in partnership with local and national government cannot wait.”