Just over a year after being appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner has resigned.
After referring herself to the independent advisor into ministerial standards over the amount of tax that the now former Deputy Labour Leader paid on a flat on a flat that she purchased, the resulting resignation has left the Prime Minister needing to appoint a new second-in-command, as well as a new person to lead the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
With the government’s focus on delivering major housing improvements, and the significant role that the Ministry plays in the improvement of local government, the impact of this decision will be significant for the UK public sector.
In the letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer in which she outlined her decision to step down, Rayner outlined her belief that “people who serve the British public in government must always observe the highest standards.” The Member of Parliament for Ashton-under-Lyne also delved into a number of the successes that she has helped to deliver, including the Employment Rights Bill, the Renters’ Rights Bill, and the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
Rayner also introduced the English Devolution Bill last week, which will support the devolution of more powers to the local leaders that are better placed to deliver change across the country.
As the Prime Minister looks to replace the outgoing Rayner, it is expected that a bigger reshuffle could come about. Whenever these announcements are made, you will be able to follow the news on publicsectorexecutive.com.
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