Michael Gove has been appointed by prime minister Rishi Sunak as the new secretary of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Gove returns to the role three months after being sacked by former prime minister Boris Johnson. 

He initially took on the role in September last year when he replaced Robert Jenrick. 

Earlier this year and during his first stint as housing secretary, Gove highlighted the country’s “significant housing challenges” such as a historic lack of supply compared to the level of population growth.

He also suggested that it’s “unlikely” that the government would consistently hit the 300,000-target year on year.

Earlier today, Simon Clarke announced his departure from the role. 

On Twitter, Clarke said: “It has been a great privilege to serve as secretary of state @luhc, working alongside some terrific people to #LevelUp our communities, just as it was before that as chief secretary @hmtreasury.”

Former prime minister Liz Truss appointed Clarke in September.

Today the reappointment of Jeremy Hunt as chancellor has also been confirmed, alongside other cabinet appointments including Dominic Raab as deputy prime minister and justice secretary. 

Hunt was previously named as chancellor by Sunak’s predecessor Liz Truss following the sacking of Kwasi Kwarteng earlier this month.