The government has appointed Andrew Stephenson as the new minister in charge of construction, a day after fears arose that his predecessor Richard Harrington would not be replaced.
The Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) today confirmed that Stephenson, MP for Pendle in Lancashire since 2010, would take up the role of parliamentary under secretary of state.
He previously served as a government whip and Lord Commissioner at the Treasury.
His responsibilities at BEIS include: industrial strategy; industrial strategy delivery; sector deals; aerospace; advanced manufacturing; materials, including steel; automotive; nuclear; infrastructure and construction; professional services; rail supply chain; defence; maritime; and supply chains.
Stephenson’s appointment follows Harrington’s resignation last week after he decided to vote against the government on Brexit.
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), which had been keen to see that Harrington’s role was directly replaced, welcomed the move.
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Congratulations. Let us hope this Minster has the opportunity and energy to represent our industry at a time of such multiple challenges.
I have been hoping for the best and the best is good enough for me. Thank you CIOB, for pushing to get our voice heard loud and clear. The construction minister is like a mortar that hold firmly our institution building block. The keys to patience are acceptance and faith. I accept the previous minister resignation due to his principles on Brexit, and look realistically that there will be no-way out institution will survive without a minister. I have faith in the institution and in the direction towards our goals.
Now the new minister may want to concern himself more with accepting responsibility than with assigning blame. And let the possibilities inspire him more than the obstacles ahead. Once again, thank you CIOB for all efforts since the roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness. Honorable Stephenson welcome aboard!