Angela Rayner is stepping back into the role of housing secretary in new prime minister Andy Burnham’s cabinet.
The former deputy prime minister previously held the housing brief in Keir Starmer’s government but resigned from the cabinet in September 2025 after acknowledging a stamp duty underpayment linked to the purchase of a flat in Hove.
However, in May this year she was cleared by HMRC of deliberate wrongdoing or carelessness over her tax affairs and agreed to repay around £4o,000 in underpaid stamp duty.
Now, she has been reinstalled as secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, replacing Steve Reed.
In addition, it was announced that Matthew Pennycook will remain as housing minister in the department, and will attend cabinet.
The reshuffle following Burnham’s appointment as prime minister also includes former defence secretary John Healey taking over from Rachel Reeves as chancellor of the exchequer.
Commenting on the new occupant of 11 Downing Street, Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, said: “Over the coming months, there will be sizeable challenges across the wider economy to overcome. Although the year started with quiet confidence in the housing market, there have been sizeable difficulties to contend with in terms of global unease.
“While we have seen inflation progressively start to approach its target and base rates hold steady, there is a much wider picture for John Healey to consider, as he takes on the role of chancellor of the exchequer.
“Housing remains fundamental to economic growth, with issues such as stamp duty for those buying a property in England or Northern Ireland, as well as taxation frameworks affecting many landlords in the private rented sector, all in need of review and potential restructuring.”
