Nusrat Ghani, the Member of Parliament for Wealden, has transitioned from her role as the construction minister to the position of Minister for Europe at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. This move concludes her 16-month tenure overseeing the construction sector, an appointment that was made soon after Rishi Sunak's ascent to Prime Minister in 2022.
Ghani's departure marks a significant change in the construction ministry, hinting at the appointment of the 25th construction minister since the turn of the century. This frequent change in leadership, which dates back to Nick Raynsford's term under Tony Blair, has been a point of concern within the industry.
Speaking at an industry event shortly before her official resignation, Ghani acknowledged the challenges posed by the constant changes in Whitehall. She emphasized the need for consistent regulation and legislation to maintain confidence in long-term investment within the construction sector. Ghani expressed her hope that her tenure had offered the sector a dedicated advocate.
Despite her contributions, Ghani's relationship with the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has had its ups and downs. Notably, her foreword for a council report last autumn did not address the critical assessment of energy-efficiency initiatives within the sector. Additionally, Mark Reynolds, Mace chief executive and co-chair at the CLC, has openly criticized the government's waning interest in construction.
As Ghani moves on, Kevin Hollinrake steps into a ministerial role within the business department, though it remains unclear if he will take over construction responsibilities. Hollinrake's involvement in the Grenfell Inquiry, due to an email from a Kingspan employee, raises questions about his future impact on the sector.
Alasdair Reisner, CEO of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association, highlights the importance of the construction minister in fostering government-industry relations. The industry eagerly awaits the announcement of Ghani's successor, hopeful for continued collaboration and policy development.
At Find A Start, we understand the importance of stable leadership and consistent policies in the construction industry. Our platform is dedicated to connecting tradespeople with contractors, offering a seamless and efficient solution to meet the sector's needs. We remain committed to supporting the construction industry through these changes, providing a reliable source for job opportunities and skilled workers. For more on how we can assist during these transitional times, visit our website at www.findastart.co.uk.