Russell Lynch: UK housing needs political stability, not revolving doors

In business, continuity is seen as a good thing. So it is no wonder that housebuilders are getting irritated as they prepare to introduce themselves to the ninth housing minister since 2010.

Taylor Wimpey boss Pete Redfern talks today about the need for “consistency”, while Peter Long of estate agent Countrywide wants somebody in place for a “decent amount of time”.

They shouldn’t hold their breath.

Esther McVey’s return to Government in the role sees her attend Cabinet but as minister of state, meaning it will always be a stepping stone for a politician aspiring to full Cabinet rank.

Politicians love to talk about building new homes, but don’t often show enough willingness to roll up their sleeves and get into the weeds. There aren’t enough quick wins in housing — dealing with thorny issues like planning, for example, can take years — so it doesn’t exactly offer an incentive to stick around.

“It’s frustrating,” one industry figure tells me. “No sooner is a minister getting his or her head around the brief, than they’re moved on, and it’s back to the start.”