Skip to main content

New Housing Minister , Secretary of state welcomed into Parliament under Theresa May Watch

The dynamic duo have a daunting task ahead Sajid Javid and Gavin Barwell posing for @onthemarketblog photo shoot 

Theresa May’s new government got to work yesterday, and first to face being grilled in the Chamber was the, Communities and Local Government frontbench. Though, the Chamber turned out to be rather luke warm than char grilled , as very few Labour MPs had managed to turn up, giving Sajid Javid and the new housing minster Gavin Barwell gentler introductions to their new jobs. One of them, Andrew Percy, told the Chamber that ‘I share the House’s surprise!’ on this appointment as he rose to take his first question.

But largely the topical questions that were asked were not unexpected.

Some Tory MPs were keen that the  committed pledge from the new ministers to the hallow turf of the Green Belt, as even a perceived threat to those doughnuts of protected land around cities can send Tory faithful into a wild panic. A reassuring confirmation, with the Secretary of State saying ‘the Green Belt remains special’.

The MP has been critical of Croydon Council’s development plans and has campaigned to protect the green belt. In Particualar house builder Persimmon , as one of the UK's largest property developers  , only four months ago were accused of 'profiting' on the back of the housing crisis 


Not suprisingly , Kirsten Oswald MP (East Renfrewshire, Scottish National Party) ask Barwell to provide contingency plan after EU funding from loans drys up, he responded by reiterating the governments pledge in £8 billion pounds spending in housing regeneration implemented by out going Brandon Lewis.



Kevin Hollinrake MP (Thirsk and Malton, Conservative affordable homes to to rent , now that we have left the EU now is right time for local needs , tempting him but opted to wait, what the budget and new government directive will bring be post Brexit



The Labour frontbench was rather gentle, with the only really forceful line of questioning coming from Tristram Hunt, who chose to attack Percy for ‘Brexit baloney’ in refusing to commit to match funding for the EU funds that communities such as the one he represents will lose as a result of the country’s exit from the European Union. 



First day , settling into the role
Hunt returned to the theme later in the session, accusing Sajid Javid of selling North Staffordshire down the river by failing to make that match funding commitment. For the time being, Javid and colleagues will be more likely to be interested in what unfolds over the coming months post brexit , not to forget many EU nationals, many in key work roles, who are currently left in limbo since 23 June.


Non the less the first day although easy one , was greeted with applause and can do attitude , despite 44 year old Barwell becoming the fifth person, to fill the  daunting housing role in less than 48 months.

The MP, who represents the south London seat of Croydon Central,Mr Barwell spoke on Twitter of his excitement at taking on the role.







The respected publication released an update on The Housing Minster Gavin Barwell last night 

Mr Barwell last night issued a further statement on his appointment. He said: “Too many people are having to live in overcrowded or even unsafe conditions. Too many people don’t have a permanent place to call home. Too many people are having to pay too much of their monthly earnings on their housing costs. And - as the Prime Minister said in her moving speech outside Downing Street on Wednesday night - too many people who want the independence of owning their own home currently can’t afford to do so.”

Further Reading 

Trident Nuclear deterrent, majority of MPs voted renewal , UK Parliament ,July18 2016 

WADA Independent Maclaren report state-sponsored doping by Russia 2014 Winter Olympics jeopardizes RIO 2016

John Kerry US sec Fredericka Mogherini EU-U.S relations Unbreakable,Turkey Coup ,Nice Attack

World leaders stand united strongly condemning vile attack in Nice ,France @onthemarketblog

Boris Johnson , Foreign Secretary comments on the anniversary of Iran nuclear deal

Cabinet reshuffle ,Pending Brexit Divorce, Stakhanovite constitution , EU president Juncker Thoughts on New PM May

Estate Agent son who's dating Margot Robbie and May appoints new housing Minister

David Cameron's last PM's questions Highlights ,I will be willing you all.on thankyou

I'm on the ballot paper Jeremy Corbyn May the best labour Candidate win Leadership BBC Anyone ?

European ceiling plaster , yet to settle , Boris Johnson Foreign Secretary comment on 1st Day

Robert Peston ? Angela Eagle launches Labour Leadership Challenge to Jeremy Corbyn

Cabinet reshuffle ,Pending Brexit Divorce, Stakhanovite constitution , EU president Juncker Thoughts on New PM May

Theresa May takes power as the new UK prime minister officially received by the Queen to form New Gov Administration

David Cameron's last PM's questions Highlights ,I will be willing you all.on thankyou

I'm on the ballot paper Jeremy Corbyn May the best labour Candidate win Leadership BBC Anyone ?

Robert Peston ? Angela Eagle launches Labour Leadership Challenge to Jeremy Corbyn

Sajid Javid to meet Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Post Brexit

London council early morning raid finds 17 men living in three bed terrace

UK share price up, though early post Brexit days will remain Volatile says Governer Mark Carney BoE

Bank governor Mark Carney eases rules for banks to meet Brexit challenge

Queen Elizabeth Speech Scottish Parliament 5th Opening staying calm and collected

Comments