Leasehold campaigners have welcomed the return of Angela Rayner as housing secretary in Andy Burnam’s new Cabinet.

The controversial appointment sees Rayner (main picture) back in her former role as Housing Communities and Local Government Secretary.

It comes less than a year after Rayner quit Keir Starmer’s administration following her tearful admission that she failed to pay the correct Stamp Duty on a new flat.

Meanwhile, Matthew Pennycook has been retained by Britain’s new Prime Minister as housing minister.

Leasehold campaigners

The appointments have been welcomed by leasehold campaigners who called for Rayner to get leasehold reforms over the finishing line.

Kate Kendrick, of the National Leaseholder Campaign, said: “We warmly welcome Angela Rayner back.

“Angela has long recognised the injustices of the leasehold system and has consistently argued that government must stand on the side of ordinary homeowners, not vested interests.

“She has repeatedly spoken about ending the feudal leasehold system, strengthening leaseholder rights and delivering the reforms that millions have been waiting for.

“We look forward to working with her again to ensure this Government delivers the change it promised, stands firmly on the side of leaseholders and finally brings this scandal to an end. Now is the time to end leasehold.”

We look forward to working with her again to bring this scandal to an end.”

While the appointments have been welcomed, property experts warn that the challenges ahead remain the same.

Vanessa Hale, Chief Executive of Real Estate:UK, explains: “We welcome the return of Angela Rayner, as Housing Secretary, with whom we worked very productively in her previous stint.

“We look forward to her hitting the ground running and picking up the dialogue about how we get homes built and breathe life back into communities in conjunction with Matthew Pennycook who stays in role.

“That said, regardless of the new team to confront them, the same challenges remain.”

Nick Leeming, Chairman of Jackson-Stops, says: “Angela Rayner returns to the housing brief with understanding of both the scale of the challenge and the policies already in motion.

“Her immediate task must be to maintain momentum and turn those proposals into practical improvements for buyers and sellers.

“Following repeated changes at the top of the housing department, the market now needs clarity, consistency and a policy direction that is maintained long enough to make a meaningful difference.

“Increasing the supply of new homes must remain a priority, but success should also be judged by whether the wider housing market is working effectively. That means helping transactions progress, allowing housing chains to form and giving people the confidence to move when their circumstances change.”