It has been reported that Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner repeatedly tried to resign over the impossible demands of ensuring 1.5m new homes are built, according to Lord Ashcroft.

In his updated biography of the Prime Minister, Ashcroft claims it took a call from Tony Blair and a grace-and-favour flat in Admiralty House (pictured) to placate her.

Despite many in the property industry repeatedly casting doubt over the highly ambitious target, the Government has refused to back down on its target.

I’m confident we can hit that target by the end of the five years.”

As was reported in The Neg, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook told the Commons’ Committee for Housing Communities & Local Government: “I’m confident we can hit that target by the end of the five years of Parliament,” although he did admit it would be “more difficult than he thought in Opposition.”

And just last month, in her Spring Statement, Rachel Reeves claimed the Government was ‘within touching distance’ of its new homes target.

Industry disagrees

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), however, does not agree, suggesting the Government will fall short of that figure, and that reforms introduced by Angela Rayner will only lead to an extra 170,000 homes in England, a quarter of the amount needed to hit her target.

And, according to the National Housing Federation (NHF), the Home Builders Federation (HBF) and Savills, the Government is set to fall short of its ambition by nearly half a million without significant government support for social housebuilding and first-time buyers.

Rayner has also been warned by some of the country’s biggest developers, including Barratt Redrow, that there is not enough skilled labour to get anywhere near her target.

A source close to Ms Rayner, however, denies she has ever had any doubts, telling The Mail: “We do not recognise the claims made. Angela is proud to be serving as Deputy Prime Minister in Keir’s Cabinet and delivering on Labour’s crystal-clear commitment to build 1.5 million homes as part of our Plan for Change.”

Agent reaction

Dave Seed, Managing Director, Qube Residential

“Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner’s reported attempt to resign amidst the daunting task of building 1.5 million new homes highlights the formidable challenges confronting the government’s housing targets,” he says.

“Despite expressions of confidence from figures such as Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook and assurances in Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement, justified skepticism persists.

“Industry experts foresee significant shortfalls unless major reforms and support are implemented, further deepening the struggles faced by ordinary people in desperate need of housing.

“This disparity between governmental optimism and industry skepticism exemplifies the intricate reality of addressing the housing crisis, especially when political priorities are driven more by the pursuit of electoral success than by resolving core issues.”