June 9, 2009
JOHN NOW TO ATTEND CABINET AFTER APPOINTED HOUSING MINISTER
John Healey made history today as the first Rotherham MP to sit at the cabinet table.
The Wentworth MP was appointed housing minister in the Prime Minister’s cabinet ministerial reshuffle on Friday. He was previously local government minister in the same department, Communities and Local Government.
Mr Healey said: "As a key job in these tough economic times I was delighted when the Prime Minister asked me to become housing minister. My first priority is to continue the real help we are offering to people struggling with their mortgage as well as first time buyers trying to get a foot on the housing ladder.
“Equally clear action is needed now to make sure all parts of the country have the high quality and energy efficient homes needed in the years to come.
"I don’t underestimate the challenges ahead but firm foundations are in place – in particular our schemes to help those at risk of losing their homes and the £900 million stimulus to the housing industry announced in the Budget, including a renewed drive to build new council housing.
“Housing as a sector has some of the most committed professionals, agencies and industry chiefs. I look forward to working with them to make sure this major investment makes a real difference - whether delivering more social homes, kick-starting stalled house building projects or retaining vital jobs and skills within the construction industry that will be key to making the most of the recovery.”
Mr Healey’s appointment has been well received by key industry figures.
Gideon Amos OBE, chief executive of the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA), said the appointment was “very welcome.”
“At this crucial time for delivering housing in the recession Mr Healey’s experience of local government, housing, planning and the economy will be incredibly valuable,” he said.
National Housing Federation chief executive David Orr said: “We warmly welcome the appointment of John Healey and look forward to working closely with him.”
At his press conference about the reshuffle on June 5, the Prime Minister said of the cabinet newcomers: “We have chosen very talented people who have got a determination to serve the country.”
Mr Brown said he wanted to “push forward with the economic recovery” including taking “more action on housing.”
• See photos of this morning’s cabinet meeting
• Read the transcript of the PM’s June 5 press conference on the reshuffle