MP disappointed at losing housing role

Rachel Maclean wished her successor well

The Conservative MP for Redditch said she was "disappointed" at losing her job as housing minister as part of the government reshuffle.

Rachel Maclean, who took up the post in February, said on X, formerly Twitter, she was asked to step down from the role on Monday.

She said she had been "looking forward to introducing the Renters Reform Bill to Committee" on Tuesday as well as the Leasehold and Freehold Bill later on.

"It has been a privilege to hold the position and I wish my successor well," Ms Maclean added. She had been the 15th politician in the post since 2010.

Rishi Sunak's government overhaul has also seen a new-look cabinet, including the return of David Cameron to frontline politics as foreign secretary.

Ms Maclean also thanked everyone in the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities department and "all those who have given their time, commitment and energy to work with me and inform policy on this vital agenda".

"I will never lose my passion for housing and planning," she added.

The MP said in October she hoped the Renters Reform Bill, which would ban landlords in England from evicting tenants with no justification, would make progress in Parliament soon.

However, Housing Secretary Michael Gove later said it was "vital" to update the court system before it could become law.

And the Leasehold and Freehold Bill, which will ban leaseholds for new houses, but not flats, was outlined among government priorities in the first King's Speech.

Ms Maclean became the MP for Redditch in 2017 after a career which has included banking and setting up a charity helping school children develop business skills.