Michael Gove has replaced Robert Jenrick as secretary of state for housing, communities and local government in the Cabinet reshuffle.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps remains in post.
Mr Jenrick said it had been ‘a huge privilege’ to serve as housing and communities ecretary for the past two years.
He was appointed to the role by Boris Johnson when he became prime minister in July 2019, having previously served as exchequer secretary at the Treasury.
He tweeted: ‘Thank you to everyone at the department for their hard work, dedication and friendship. I’m deeply proud of all we achieved.
‘I will continue to support the Prime Minister and the Government in every way I can.’
Mr Gove, who was previously Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Cabinet Office Minister, has been appointed to the top job at Marsham Street.
Announcing the appointment, Number 10 said he will retain responsibility for the Union and elections alongside his new role.
Mr Gove served as shadow housing minister early in his career and has also held cabinet roles for education, justice and the environment.
Responding to the appointment of Michael Gove, Cllr James Jamieson, chairman of the Local Government Association, said: 'This has been an incredibly difficult period for councils and communities and we thank Robert Jenrick for the support he has given to local government during the pandemic. We wish him all the best in the future.
'The COVID crisis has shown what can be achieved when government empowers councils to innovate and create new services locally. We look forward to working with Michael Gove as our new Secretary of State at MHCLG to build on this and ensure councils are backed with the resources and freedoms they need to build back local from the pandemic, level up communities and deliver more for our residents and communities.'
This article first appeared on themj.co.uk.
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