Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP (pictured) is to take over as shadow DTLR spokesman for the Conservative Party.
The move follows the resignation this morning of Nick Gibb MP, only a month after being given the job.
A source close to the two men said: “It’s very good news. I never thought that role particularly suited Nick. He’s had a lot of difficulties getting to grips with the brief and I’m not really sure why he was chosen. Geoffrey is a much more sensible choice – he already understands the brief.”
Clifton-Brown, MP for the Cotswolds, was previously part of the shadow DTLR team, but will now take over the planning regeneration and housing brief for the Party. Formerly a surveyor with Jones Lang Wootton, he has long been seen as a friend of the property industry within Parliament.
Michael Chambers, head of policy at RICS, said: “It’s good for the industry that the lead man has a solid background in property. Its a natural area for him.”
Gibb, a former accountant described by colleagues as “a sure touch and a sharp mind”, is said to have stepped down from his post to concentrate on his Bogner Regis and Littlehampton constituency.
EGi News 18/10/01
