Alok Sharma appointed as planning minister

The government announced on the 15th June 2017 that Alok Sharma, the MP for Reading West, is the new housing and planning minister. Sharma replaces Gavin Barwell, who lost his Croydon Central seat in the General Election.

Stephen Wilkinson, president of the RTPI, welcomed Sharma: “The RTPI has a long history of working closely with previous ministers and looks forward to working with the new one. The delivery of affordable housing, built in the right places with the appropriate infrastructure and services, will be a key priority for the new minister. We look forward to working with him to ensure planners continue to play a central role in delivery.”