Former Conservative-party leadership contender Michael Gove has replaced Robert Jenrick as housing secretary after he was sacked from the position in today’s ministerial reshuffle.

Robert Jenrick has held the role since July 2019, but has been the subject of a number of controversies.

Gove was formerly chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, according to his official title, but in practice, he was in charge of the Cabinet Office. 

Propertymark chief executive Nathan Emerson says: “We welcome today’s appointment of Michael Gove as the new secretary of state for Housing. 

“Over the past 18 months housing has been high on the political agenda, with the long term Covid-19 inflicted stamp duty holiday and evictions ban due to close at the end of the month. 

“We look forward to meeting the new secretary of state and his team over the coming months and hope the department’s position and policy focus stays on track.”