Angela Rayner has returned as Secretary of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), in new Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s first Cabinet.
As first was going to press, other changes included: Local Government Minister Alison McGovern moving to health and social care; the return of her predecessor Jim McMahon in a more junior role; and the arrival of Florence Eshalomi as an MHCLG minister. Devolution strategy has moved to Number 10 North, under Louise Haigh, First Secretary of State.
Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, LGA Chair, said: “Councils will work with the Prime Minister’s government to tackle the biggest issues facing our communities, including long-overdue reform of adult social care and ending rough sleeping.
“It is important they are recognised as equal partners to shape national policy.
“A rebalancing of power must include completing the devolution map so that every community can benefit from meaningful devolution, avoiding a long tail of areas left without devolved powers, resources or influence.
“This is essential to unlocking growth in every postcode, tackling skills gaps, building more affordable homes, strengthening and modernising public services, and ensuring every resident can share in opportunity.”