Build baby build": Steve Reed enters MHCLG

You would be forgiven for thinking you had déjà vu, but here we are again with a new party in Government but the same old issue of a seemingly revolving door at MHCLG.  

This was obviously not a strategic choice made by Sir Kier Starmer, rather one hoisted upon him by Angela Rayner's downfall. Arguably Labour's commitment to building 1.5 million homes, reforming the planning system, and demonstrating the country is opening to business remains. But can Rayner's successor, Steve Reed, deliver as the Housing Secretary?  

"Build Baby Build" was how we were introduced to our new Housing Secretary; Steve Reed's enthusiasm for the new role seemingly shining through. Luckily for the sector Reed has experience with his new portfolio, as well as enthusiasm, albeit in a Shadow Minister capacity. We are not faced with starting from scratch, which is ever more important given the status of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.  

Reed's first week has been a proactive one, meeting with developers and other sector representatives. MHCLG also published updated national planning practice guidance (17 Septembe2025) on flood risk and the application of sequential tests on individual planning applications; all designed to help get the country building.  

However, as The Telegraph reported yesterday (17 September 2025), Reed is not immune from displaying his NIMBY tendencies. The Telegraph highlights his lobbying of Sadiq Khan to prevent 237 flats being built in his constituency, as well as comments against proposals to speed up the development process. Quite a damming stance given the other headlines in the papers this week that highlight London's dire status in delivering new homes.  

Understandably, The Telegraph, and James Cleverley the Shadow Housing Secretary, is crying out hypocrisy at the revelations of Reed's previous stance on planning matters.  

Whilst it is clear that his attempt to use his position as a Member of Parliament to block development on behalf of his residents, flies in the face of his statement that his department is "doubling down on our plans to unleash one of the biggest eras of building in our country’s history and we are backing the builders all the way", it's just not that surprising.  

We all know that planning has become highly politicised. Personally, I have always found it incredulous that a member of parliament would heavily involve themselves in a local planning matter. Surely that is the remit of the local councillors. But this is where we are. Labour promises to reverse this over politicising of the planning system with their various reforms. There is hope on the horizon. But until MPs remove themselves from local planning matters, accusations of hypocrisy that Reed faces will remain commonplace.  

Reed has to now demonstrate commitment to his mantras and help deliver on the Labour government's promise to put building at the heart of restoring the country's prospects. Of course, with the Treasury potentially poised to step on his toes with a separate Planning and Infrastructure Bill, he could have his work cut out for him.