Robert Jenrick has been sacked as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government in Boris Johnson’s ongoing cabinet reshuffle. His removal comes on the back of his poor performance in the most recent, August, ConservativeHome survey of how party members rank the performance of cabinet ministers. Jenrick managed a net score of just +1%, lower than any cabinet minister other than the gaffe-prone (and also sacked) education secretary Gavin Williamson and minister without portfolio Amanda Milling , both of whom logged negative ratings of -53.5% and -16.6% respectively.
Jenrick was considered lucky to keep his job after intervening in a planning decision to help the billionaire Tory donor Richard Desmond, a move that was was subsequently ruled unlawful. He was also in charge of the planning bill, whose plans to create a presumption in favour of development in some areas have proved anathema to the tories’ traditional green belt supporters.
Number 10 said in a statement following Jenrick’s departure: “Robert Jenrick has led crucial work over the last two years, most importantly driving reforms to build more houses so home ownership becomes a reality for many more people. The prime minister is grateful for his drive and commitment.”
Updates to follow.
It’s been a huge privilege to serve as Secretary of State @mhclg. Thank you to everyone at the department for their hard work, dedication and friendship. I’m deeply proud of all we achieved.
I will continue to support the Prime Minister and the Government in every way I can.
— Robert Jenrick (@RobertJenrick) September 15, 2021
