Prime Minister David Cameron has appointed Grant Shapps as Conservative Party Chairman as part of a wide-ranging Cabinet reshuffle.
The former housing minister was promoted following the sacking of Baroness Warsi, who confirmed her departure via Twitter last night.
No successor to the housing brief has yet been announced, but Lynne Featherstone has been tipped as a possible replacement.
Appointed housing minister in May 2010, Shapps has overseen a slew of policy announcements aimed at kick-starting the market.
Despite leaving the post mid-term, he is the longest-serving housing minister since Nick Raynsford left the role in 2001.
During his tenure key policy announcements included the introduction of the New Homes Bonus, an extension of Right to Buy, changes to social tenure, a transformation of the planning system and various measures aimed at helping first-time buyers such as New Buy.
Shapps was also in charge of overseeing the Portas Review aimed at revitalising high street retail.
The move comes as part of a wide-ranging reshuffle in which several key figures for the property industry, including planning minister Greg Clark, have been tipped for moves.
Further announcements are expected over the course of today and tomorrow.
Jack.Sidders@estatesgazette.com
