Gove Back in the Housing Hot Seat

Michael Gove is back in charge of the government’s drive to reform the private rental sector (26 October 2022). 

He was reappointed as Secretary for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s first Cabinet.

Gove replaces seat-warmer  Simon Clarke, who held the post for a few days for the ill-fated Liz Truss regime.

The manner of Clarke’s departure is uncertain, and it’s not clear if he resigned or was sacked.

Now, Gove returns to the desk where he is credited for drafting the controversial Rent Reform Bill that repeals no-fault evictions for private landlords. He is thought to be keen on the policy and is one of the bill’s significant backers in Westminster.

The rent reform bill still lives

Last week, a Tory spokesman confirmed the bill is still alive and will go before Parliament before the end of the current session.

Gove was last appointed levelling up secretary in September 2021. In July, he was sacked by then Prime Minister Boris Johnson for writing him a letter critical of standards in government.

Outside Parliament, Gove, 55,  is married to journalist Sarah Vine. The couple has two children.

Other DLUHC posts, such as who will take the role of housing minister, are currently unfilled.

Meanwhile, Tory Steve Double, MP for St Austell and Newquay, has revealed The Treasury is reviewing tax and other financial measures to discourage second homeowners and holiday let landlords.

Double argues wealthy outsiders are buying homes and driving prices above the amount locals can afford.