Matthew Pennycook has been named as the new housing minister as the new Labour government takes shape.
The Greenwich and Woolwich MP has served as shadow housing minister since 2021 and will fulfil his role underneath the new housing secretary, Angela Rayner, whose position was confirmed on Friday evening as Labour swiftly formed its cabinet.
Pennycook has previously volunteered with the Child Poverty Action Group and also worked for the Resolution Foundation think tank, covering issues that included welfare reform. The MP also served on the Living Wage Foundation board.
During his time as shadow housing minister, Pennycook has talked about the key role that placemaking should play in housing policy, calling for the importance of developments to be accompanied by infrastructure such as retail spaces, schools and other facilities for residents.
During the 14 years under Conservative rule, the industry had no less than 16 housing ministers. Houebuilders will be hoping for some stability after so many changes under the previous government.
The appointment comes as Labour sets out its housing policy in chancellor Rachel Reeves’ first speech. The party will reintroduce mandatory housing targets and plan to reform the planning framework, as well as outlining its commitment to a brownfield and ‘grey belt’ first approach.
Labour to restore mandatory housing targets and reform planning framework
