Gavin Barwell, the former housing minister and Croydon Central MP who lost his seat to Labour in the General Election has been appointed as the prime minister’s new chief of staff.
Barwell replaces Nick Timothy and Fiona Hill, who had been Theresa May’s closest advisors, but resigned last week after an unsuccessful election campaign which saw the Conservatives fail to win a majority.
Announcing Barwell’s appointment, May said: “He has been a first-class minister and is widely respected. He will bring considerable experience of the party to the post.
“As I said yesterday, I want to reflect on the election and why it did not deliver the result I hoped for. Gavin will have an important role to play in that. I look forward to working with him.”
The prime minister has yet to reveal who will replace Gavin Barwell as minister of state for housing, planning and minister for London. He was highly regarded by the industry despite being in the role for less than a year.
Speaking to EG prior to the election, Adam Challis, head of residential research at JLL, said: “I would not want to make a prediction, but it would be a great shame [if Barwell were not to continue as housing minister] as he has been both insightful and pragmatic in seeking out housing solutions.”
Sajid Javid has been re-appointed secretary of state for the Department for Communities and Local Government. Greg Clark continues as secretary of state for the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.
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