Rayner’s resignation: industry bemoans ‘slowing momentum’
Angela Rayner’s departure on Friday did not come as a shock but will have implications for the property and construction sector, which is already fighting an uphill battle to deliver on the outgoing secretary of state’s 1.5m homes target, industry experts said.
Rayner’s resignation as secretary of state of housing. communities, and local government, and the subsequent appointment of Steve Reed to the role, could mark a turning point in the government’s approach to development and housebuilding, which has been a key focus over the last year.
The departure of the person driving the narrative when it came to housing and planning reform is likely to result in uncertainty and create instability within a sector that craves the opposite.
However, some consider the resignation to be a blessing in disguise, seeing the appointment of a new leader of the MHCLG as a chance to address the industry’s troubles in a more effective way than his predecessor.
Place North West reached out to industry figures for a reaction to the reset.
Andrew Rainford, managing director at AEW Architects
“Angela Rayner’s departure casts a shadow at a precarious moment for the industry, where clarity on funding for the delivery of new housing, planning reform, and market stability is urgently needed to guide architects, developers, and clients alike.
“In Manchester, where the need for affordable housing, infrastructure investment, and levelling-up commitments remains acute, her absence risks slowing momentum.
“We will be looking to her successors and the wider government to restore confidence by delivering coherent, equitable policy and upholding the highest standards of integrity to support the growth of vibrant, sustainable northern communities.”
Angela Mansell, managing director of Mansell Building Solutions
“Angela Rayner’s resignation highlights yet again that housing, planning, and delivery remain disconnected.
“Nearly 4,000 construction businesses went bust last year, yet SMEs are still squeezed by systemic low margins, poor clients, a plethora of consultants, contractors of varying standards, as well as procurement and funding models that prioritise lowest cost over long-term value.
“Another reset at ministerial level won’t solve this. Steve Reed inherits a system where property and construction — from housing to schools, hospitals, care homes, and accommodation for the armed services — should be taken out of the political cycle and fixed with 30-year plans backed by cross-party agreement.
“Without consistent leadership to link planning, funding and SME delivery into a long-term pipeline, insolvencies, stalled projects and skills loss will continue.”
Kelly Paddick, company director at Euan Kellie Property Solutions
“Rayner has been steadfast in her campaign to ensure that housing remains at the top of the political agenda and in pushing forward planning reforms to help to achieve this.
“We’ve really enjoyed seeing planning and housing back at the forefront of politics, being championed by such a high-profile MP and [the then] deputy prime minister – this has arguably not been seen since the days of John Prescott.
“We welcome the appointment of Steve Reed as Housing Secretary. His background in local government gives him a valuable understanding of the mechanics and challenges of the planning system, and we are optimistic that he will continue to support the ambitious targets for the delivery of new housing to tackle the country’s housing crisis, with the same conviction as Rayner.”
John Wybar, head of business development at VM Finance
“Angela Rayner had driven some bold housing and planning policies, but her departure may open up opportunities for these to be revisited in order to stimulate the housing market further – after all, the target of 1.5m new homes during Labour’s tenure is still dangling over their heads.
“In particular, there are no incentive schemes for new buyers, which could potentially be revisited under newly-appointed Steve Reed to generate some traction in what is a relatively stagnant property market at present.”
I only see slow LA teams and overworked planners , I didn’t see Angela Rayner speeding up any of my delayed essential assisted living and affordable housing projects , it’s been in second gear since summer 2024
By Salford Fred
There’s an imbalance in resources between different elements of government. Very few Councils are as well resourced as Manchester, most are short of capacity and expertise and cash, while Combined Authorities expand their staffing numbers almost by the day. There should be a more balanced distribution of resources to get things moving.
By Anonymous
The comments here sum up the dire straits the country is in regards housing. Rayner was hapless and whilst sharing soundbites, housing delivery almost ground to a halt. She was never the answer, clueless being kind! People across the spectrum taken in by the slogans and soundbites. Reed will be much of the same. We have politicians who have no idea about the sector and it’s all about self preservation for them as opposed to actually delivering. It needs a radical change, without this, delivery will remain extremely slow and red tape will only get worse. This government is strangling the industry and the BSR is beyond a joke. You can bookmark this and come back to it in 12 months and beyond.
By JM
Hope the change doesn’t delay (yet again!) the publication of regulations and revised national policy needed to bring the new plan making system into operation.
By Bob