Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Property Industry Eye. Read the original article for full details.

Katie Lam Appointed Shadow Housing Secretary After Cleverly Steps Down

Katie Lam has been named Shadow Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary, following Sir James Cleverly’s decision to step down from the role. Cleverly, who had held the shadow housing brief since July 2025, is seeking the Conservative nomination for the 2028 London mayoral election.

Cleverly is the Conservative MP for Braintree. It has not been confirmed whether he will stand down as an MP, and the Conservative Party has yet to select its candidate for the upcoming mayoral contest.

Lam’s new responsibilities include scrutinising government housing policy, with a focus on housebuilding, planning, and the wider property market. Her brief also covers local government and communities.

According to the Conservative Party, Lam will lead efforts to “get Britain building” and “stand up for local communities,” while ensuring local government operates effectively. Her appointment comes at a time when planning reform, housing supply, and affordability are significant issues for the property sector.

This change in shadow housing leadership is relevant for UK letting agents and inventory clerks, as it may influence future policy discussions on housing, planning, and local government matters.