Sharma is replacing Gavin Barwell, who lost his seat last week and has now been made Prime Minister Theresa May’s chief of staff.
A new housing minister has been appointed in Alok Sharma, MP for Reading West.
Sharma (pictured) is replacing Gavin Barwell, who lost his seat last week and has now been made Prime Minister Theresa May’s chief of staff.
The Conservative Sharma has represented Reading West since 2010 and was made parliamentary under-secretary of state in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in July 2016 after May’s appointment as PM that month.
Sharma is the sixth housing minister since 2010.
Many within the mortgage industry have long since argued that the role should be a Cabinet position, as the junior nature of the post arguably results in it being considered a stepping stone by politicians rather for the long-term.
On Sharma's appointment Sajid Javid, communities secretary, tweeted: “Congratulations to my friend Alok Sharma…great to have him on board.”
And mortgage broker Adam Hosker optimistically tweeted: “Looking forward to reversal of the Tenant Tax, Cap not Ban on Lettings Fees & funding for social housing construction.”
