Angela Rayner has returned to the cabinet as Housing Secretary under new Labour leader Andy Burnham, a role she previously resigned from. Her appointment follows an HMRC investigation into her tax affairs, which concluded with a settlement and exoneration from deliberate tax avoidance, clearing her path for a prominent role in Burnham's government.
UK Housing Secretary Steve Reed plans to establish a state-owned housing developer to stimulate low housebuilding rates, borrowing at lower rates than private developers, amid struggles to meet the government's 1.5m new homes target.
Labour leader Keir Starmer is facing internal pressure to resign after a tumultuous week of resignations and speculation about his leadership. Despite no formal challenge, allies and MPs are reportedly discussing replacements, with Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham seen as potential successors.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed admits PM Keir Starmer is unpopular but warns Labour against repeating the Tories' leadership change pattern, citing instability and poor electoral outcomes, urging unity behind Starmer despite mounting resignation calls.
Senior UK ministers have rejected proposals for a one-year freeze on private sector rents, with Housing Secretary Steve Reed and Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook publicly criticising the idea less than 48 hours after it was revealed. The government split has fueled speculation about Chancellor Rachel Reeves' job security following reports that Keir Starmer considered sacking her after local elections. Downing Street has ruled out the rent freeze and insists Reeves retains the PM's confidence, though Starmer stopped short of guaranteeing her position at Prime Minister's Questions. City investors are watching closely, with some warning leadership uncertainty could push up government bond yields further.
Steve Reed has dismissed 15 Labour MPs who voted with Kemi Badenoch's motion calling for Keir Starmer to be referred to the privileges committee as 'usual suspects'. The housing secretary told Times Radio and Sky News he was not bothered by the rebels, emphasizing that 99% of Labour MPs are united. The vote was won comfortably by the government, with 53 Labour MPs not participating in the division. This is the last PMQs of the 2024-26 parliamentary session before parliament prorogues at 1.15pm.
Labour housing secretary Steve Reed has accused the Greens of failing to vet candidates properly and welcoming former Labour members expelled for antisemitic views. Speaking ahead of local elections on 7 May, Reed also attacked Reform UK leader Nigel Farage for failing to attend any of the 10-plus meetings of a local board deciding how to spend a £20m government grant in Clacton. The attacks come as polls show Greens potentially outperforming Labour, with both parties expected to make significant gains in English council elections and Scottish and Welsh parliaments.
