The former business secretary was named as the replacement for Greg Clark as the most senior minister at the Department for Communities and Local Government, which has responsibility for housing.

Mr Javid has held a number of senior roles in government over the last few years. He most recently served as secretary of state for business, innovation and skills. He has also served as culture secretary, minister for equalities and in a number of roles in the Treasury.

Following his appointment, Mr Javid said: “My priorities are to build more homes and increase home ownership, devolve powers to local areas and help communities deliver excellent public services.”

Mr Javid has been leading on a ‘cutting red tape review’ of housebuilding, as part of a cross-government review to cut £10bn from regulation. The review, the findings of which have not yet been published, has been looking at “planning and post planning consents, through to building houses, supply chains and the market”..

The government also announced today that Damian Green is the new work and pensions secretary, replacing Stephen Crabb, who was only in the role for four months.