Housing Ministry's Revolving Doors: Lee Rowley Returns

Lee Rowley is taking over as housing minister for a second time  - the 16th Tory minister to warm the seat in 13 years.

Rowley’s promotion followed the sacking of Rachel McLean after 279 days on the job.

He was previously housing minister for 48 days between September 9, 2022, and the following October 26. Since then, he has served as MP for North East Derbyshire and Under Secretary for Local Government and Building Safety.

Rowley is aged 43 and single.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak fired McLean as part of his Cabinet reshuffle, which is widely held to be reshaping his ministerial team in readiness for the next General Election.

The election must be called by December 17, 2024, and will occur by  January 2025. However, many pundits are expecting a poll in May or June 2024.

Disappointed McLean

Maclean posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter) confirming her departure.

“I’ve been asked to step down from my role as housing minister,” she said.

“Disappointed and was looking forward to introducing the Renters (Reform) Bill to committee tomorrow and later the Leasehold and Freehold Bill. It has been a privilege to hold the position, and I wish my successor well.”

Mother of four, McLean, aged xx and married, has been MP for Redditch since 2017.

The housing ministry has proved a graveyard for Tory MPs hoping to make a name and gain promotion to higher offices.

Disgraced ministers

Incumbents have included disgraced Toris Dominic Raab and Christopher Pincher.

Raab became deputy prime minister, only to resign amid accusations of bullying staff following claims he acted “unreasonably and aggressively” towards colleagues.

Tamworth MP Christopher Pincher resigned following complaints that he groped two men while he was drunk.

The roll-of-honour of former housing ministers since the Tories came to power in the 2010 election is:

Only five housing ministers have lasted for a year or more. The longest-serving was Grant Shapps, who held the post for 845 days.