Andrew (pictured) was previously deputy chief whip, holding the post for two years and was promoted within the Whips Office. He has also been defence minister and a minister in the Wales Office.
Nick Sanderson, CEO Audley Group, said: “11 in 12 years. It sounds like a made-up statistic, but no, that really is the number of Housing Ministers there have been in a ridiculously short amount of time.
"Little wonder perhaps that major reform has been kicked to the curb. Mr Andrew has a real opportunity to alter that trajectory. The noise has increased in the corridors of power and now is the time to act. We need the Housing Minister to work with the Health Secretary and the Minister for Social Care to create holistic solutions that create the right kind of housing.
"The newly announced task force on housing for older people is a positive start. Create more of the right housing to take the pressure of the NHS and social care. It’s simple, it doesn’t cost the government money and it simply takes vision. And a bit of stability at the top.”
Paul Smith, MD of The Strategic Land Group, said: “Stuart Andrew is the 18th housing minister since 2001 - and not the first person appointed to the role with a patchy record on housing issues. The positions he has adopted - including opposing green belt release and stronger rights for renters - are populist opinions that are frequently rooted in a superficial understanding of the issue. Given time to get to grips with his new role, the industry will be hoping to see the emergence of a more considered, evidenced position.
"However, the appointment does demonstrate the need for continuity in the role - the revolving door of ministers does little to bolster the industry’s confidence in the commitment of the government to deliver the policy changes needed to tackle the housing crisis."
