New construction minister announced

Nadhim Zahawi has been named as the new construction minister – making him the third person to hold the post this year.

Tory MP Zahawi (pictured) has replaced Andrew Stephenson, who was moved out of the role as part of prime minister Boris Johnson’s cabinet reshuffle last month. 

Stephenson, who was in the job for just over three months, became a minister in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

The business department, which is the office the construction portfolio falls within, has said Zahawi will be responsible for managing the industrial strategy and sector deals.

Reacting to Zahawi’s appointment Dave Sheridan, executive chairman of Ilke Homes, said it came at a crucial time for the construction industry.

He said: "With an ageing workforce and a historically low number of young people entering the sector, Zahawi must be radical in his plans, if we are to address the structural issues that are strangling the sector."

Stephenson, who was the latest in a string of short-serving construction ministers, replaced Richard Harrington in April.

Harrington quit at the end of March in protest of the government’s handling of Brexit.

Harrington said a no-deal Brexit would have “widespread and long-standing implications for everyone. The economy may take five to 10 years to adjust to the new reality.”