New Government appointments that affect the planning sector

In a busy week, the new Prime Minister, Theresa May, has announced that MP for Croydon Central, Gavin Barwell, is the new Minister of State for Housing, Planning and Minister for London in the Department of Communities and Local Government. He replaces Brandon Lewis, who has been moved to Minister for Policing and the Fire Services at the Home Office.

Barwell has been a Member of Parliament since the 2010 general election, after being employed by the Conservative Central Office in 1993. In his previous roles he has had responsibilities for housing, local government, the environment and inner cities. He was elected as a councillor for the Woodcote and Coulsdon West ward in Croydon in 1998 and served in that post until becoming an MP.

Last week, the new Prime Minister appointed Sajid Javid as the secretary of state for Communities and Local Government. He replaces Greg Clark, who is now the secretary of state for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.