Cooper replaced as housing minister

Yvette Cooper has been replaced as minister for housing and planning by Caroline Flint, it has been announced.

Ms Cooper has been moved to the post of chief secretary to the treasury as part of Gordon Brown's first ministerial reshuffle since he became prime minister, prompted by the resignation of Work and Pensions secretary Peter Hain over undeclared funds for his deputy leadership bid last year.

British Property Federation chief executive Liz Peace expressed regreat at Ms Cooper's departure, saying she had shown "great willingness" to work with the industry and expressing the hope that the two housing bills proceeding through parliament would not be affected.

The Town and Country Planning Association also complemented Ms Cooper, saying: "Yvette Cooper has been a remarkable driving force in the zero-carbon housing and eco-town agenda - these remain vital initiatives for her successor."

Ms Flint, the MP for Don Valley, has previously served as a junior minister in the department of health and the home office.


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