The housing sector reacted with shock to the sudden resignation of DTLR secretary Stephen Byers on Tuesday.
Byers said his persona had detracted from the political process. He called his resignation "the right thing to do for the government and the Labour Party". His replacement was due to be announced as Housing Today went to press.

Chartered Institute of Housing policy director John Perry voiced his surprise at Byers' departure. Housing was not a factor in the move, "but given the uncertainty it is good that the uncertainty has been removed," Perry said.

National Housing Federation deputy chief executive James Tickell said: "This resignation should not affect development and delivery of government housing policy."

The federation would continue to work closely with housing ministers Lord Falconer and Sally Keeble.

Defend Council Housing national coordinator Mark Weeks said he was "not surprised" to see Byers go. "I hope whoever takes his place will continue with his thinking that there needs to be more choices for council tenants," he said. "We want to see the right for councils to borrow introduced in the Queen's speech."

One housing insider added: "He clearly is a very unpopular minister and there will be champagne corks popping across the country tonight."

Source

Housing Today