Prime minister Boris Johnson has relieved Esther McVey of her responsibilities as housing minister.
The government has yet to make a formal announcement, but McVey confirmed the news on Twitter.
I’m very sorry to be relieved of my duties as Housing Minister
I wish my successor the very best & every success
I’m very grateful to the Prime Minister for having given me the opportunity to serve in his government & he will continue to have my support from the back benches
— Esther McVey (@EstherMcVey1) February 13, 2020
She said: “I’m very sorry to be relieved of my duties as housing minister. I wish my successor the very best and every success. I’m very grateful to the prime minister for having given me the opportunity to serve in his government and he will continue to have my support from the back benches.”
McVey was appointed in July last year, as the ninth housing minister in as many years.
During her short tenure the MP for Tatton pursued initiatives to support the deregulation of the planning system via permitted development rights, shared ownership expansion and the use of modern methods of construction to increase home ownership.
Her replacement will see the government appoint the tenth housing minister in a decade.
Other high-profile departures emerging from Boris Johnson’s cabinet reshuffle today (13 February) include Andrea Leadsom, who has been sacked as business secretary.
Geoffrey Cox is reportedly leaving his post as attorney general, while Theresa Villiers has confirmed she has been sacked as environment secretary.
Julian Smith has been fired as Northern Ireland secretary.
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