
Reflecting on Michael Gove’s tenure as Levelling Up Secretary, his announcement to resign from politics at the next General Election has sent ripples through the built environment sector. First elected as MP for Surrey Heath in 2005, Gove has served across five government departments in the cabinets of five successive Conservative Prime Ministers, demonstrating his versatility and resilience.
It is his first stint in government as education secretary which perhaps shows his ministerial style best. Despite the 2010 election being considered by no means a certainty, Gove assiduously prepared his flagship legislation before the vote. This meant he was able get a fundamental shift of power in the education system onto the books less than three months after coming to office. As was often the case throughout his career, even those who disagreed with him found that his determination and thoughtfulness made him a formidable opponent.
During his time as Levelling Up Secretary, legislation championed by Mr Gove has caused major shifts in the built environment landscape. He was instrumental in passing the Building Safety Act, a direct response to the Grenfell Tower fire, and the Levelling Up Bill, addressing the significant regional inequality between different parts of the UK.
A persistent champion of building more homes, Gove has served as the preeminent pro building conservative, personally spearheading an additional 150,000 home for Cambridge and serving as the intellectual leader of the Conservative party’s YIMBY tendency. He revised the National Planning Policy Framework to accelerate the planning system, and promote the construction of new homes.
However, for all his achievements across government, Gove’s political journey is marked by unfinished business. The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill, although rushed through Parliament last month, became law without the initially promised ground rent cap due to concerns raised by the Treasury about its financial impact on private investors and pension funds.
The Renters Reform Bill, a 2019 Conservative manifesto promise aimed at protecting renters, also faced significant delays due to opposition from Conservative MPs wanting stronger protections for landlords and failed to be passed before to the dissolution of parliament. This bill now risks being sidelined if the Conservatives do not win the next general election.
Efforts to change nutrient neutrality rules to spur housebuilding were similarly unsuccessful thanks to the House of Lords. Despite multiple attempts, Gove confirmed in December 2023 that no further action would be taken before the general election, pledging instead to campaign for these changes in the next Conservative manifesto. Given the massive political harm already caused to the conservatives by polluted waterways, it may well be in the wider party’s interest that the legislation failed to proceed, as this shifts the dilemma onto the next (likely Labour) government.
As Gove prepares to leave politics, his legacy is a blend of significant reforms and unresolved challenges. The built environment sector will undoubtedly feel the impact of his departure and the uncertain future of his ambitious projects.
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