Andrew becomes fifth housing minister in four years

A cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Boris Johnson saw Stuart Andrew replace Christopher Pincher as housing minister at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Pincher had been housing minister since February 2020. Before him, the housing minister was Esther McVey, who took over the role from Kit Malthouse. He, in turn, replaced Dominic Raab in 2018.

Andrew is the MP for Pudsey, Horsforth and Aireborough in West Yorkshire, a post he has held since 2010. He has North Wales roots, having been born in Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch in Anglesey. Prior to becoming housing minister, Andrew was the deputy chief whip.

In addition to naming Andrew housing minister,  Mark Spencer was chosen as Commons Leader, Jacob Rees-Mogg was appointed minister for Brexit opportunities and government efficiency, and Chris Heaton-Harris MP became chief whip.

Andrew joins DLUHC a little over a week after the release of the much-anticipated Levelling Up White Paper, which has been met with mixed reactions in the North West.

• Read more: Levelling Up: Mission(s) impossible?