6Oct
Beckett becomes housing minister
Former Labour interim leader and foreign secretary Margaret Beckett
will start work today as the new housing minister.
On Friday afternoon it was announced that Caroline Flint was to
leave the post in Gordon Brown's reshuffle to become minister for
Europe.
The appointment in her stead of Ms Beckett may be a signal that the
government is placing a high priority on successfully implementing
various measures and reforms in the housing sector.
Ms Beckett's political CV includes being deputy leader under John
Smith from 1992 until 1994 and then being acting leader after Mr
Smith's fatal heart attack.
Under Tony Blair she held several senior posts, the last being that
of foreign secretary.
The arrival of such an experienced minister has been welcomed by
Gideon Amos, the Town and Country Planning Association chief
executive, who noted her "vast experience in the cabinet".
Mr Amos urged Ms Beckett to carry on the work Caroline Flint
started on eco towns and growth points, stating: "These remain
vital initiatives for her [Flint's] successor."
