A national newspaper has reported that Housing Secretary Michael Gove is more than likely going to have to rely on Labour MPs to push the Renters Reform Bill through the Commons irrespective of whether it splits the Tories.

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The Sun has claimed the Renters Bill still awaiting its Third Reading in the Commons although it has already passed previous readings as well as being passed with recent changes at the Committee Stage some weeks ago, and there is a chance that it could receive its final reading in the Commons after the Easter break.

As previously reported by the Sun there are increasing numbers of Conservative MPs who are against the Bill saying they believe that some of its measures could cause many landlords to quit the sector and thereby drastically reducing the availability of private rental housing stock, which of course will see higher rents because of market forces.

Gove with his government’s junior housing spokesperson Jacob Young are on a concerted campaign to work with disenfranchised backbench Conservative MPs to negotiate a compromise, however after several weeks of discussions the situation remains in a current state of limbo.

The Sun says: “Whitehall insiders say the PM doesn't want to face the embarrassment of Tory MPs voting against the government. A source close to Mr Gove said: ‘Michael is focussed on working with backbench colleagues, No10 and the whips to get the bill back ASAP and deliver the manifesto commitment.’”

The Sun’s story continues: “A government source said: ‘It’s a complex area, and we’re working through with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Labour are in a right mess over housing, stopped houses ready to go being built and Sadiq Khan wants failed rent controls which would make things so much worse for renters. Labour hasn’t got a scooby.’”