An MP who has campaigned against “dodgy landlords” has been appointed to a key housing job in the Government.

Mary Kelly Foy (pictured) is among a group of MPs handed positions under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

Her new job will be as Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook.

She is seen as being from the hard left of the Labour Party as a member of the Socialist Campaign Group.

I am often on the case about various HCLG related issues from the lack of social housing, fleecehold and dodgy landlords.”

In a Facebook post, she said: “Delighted to be asked to join the Housing, Communities and Local Government (HCLG) team as PPS to the Minister of State, Matthew Pennycook MP – of course I accepted.

“Many constituents will know that I am often on the case about various HCLG related issues from the lack of social housing, fleecehold and dodgy landlords to name but a few.

“It’ll be a pleasure to support the Government’s work, particularly since the new Prime Minister has pledged to deliver the biggest council house building programme since the post-war period. What an exciting prospect. I can’t wait to get cracking.”

Student market

Kelly Foy is also known for her work on student housing issues in her constituency, the City of Durham.

She responded to reports of students having to wait for hours outside letting agency offices in 2022: “What we are witnessing in the Durham rental market is ludicrous.

“I have been contacted by huge numbers of students and their parents who are utterly dismayed by the chaos of spiralling rents and limited availability of housing.”