Brandon Lewis has just been announced as the new housing and planning minister in Cameron's cabinet reshuffle. Many political commentators see this as the government's serious intent to elevate housing in their agenda to combat the housing situation.

The role of housing and planning is now under the control of a single Minister and combines the duties of former housing minister Kris Hopkins, with those of the former planning minister Nick Boles. Boles has a new position of a post within the equalities office.

Hopefully with Lewis's promotion with two portfolios under the "one roof ", that it will help reduce the delays in the planning process which many house builders are becoming increasingly  frustrated with. This is obviously the major drawback to increasing the volumes of new builds that are now required to meet the demands.

Lewis has only been an MP since 2010, however he has been a long term supporter of Eric Pickles, the Communities Secretary. There are mutterings around Westminster that as Pickles has not been in involved in the reshuffle, then his days may be numbered and he could be end up being replaced by somebody younger.

It was in 2012 that Brandon Lewis was promoted to the position  of under-secretary of state for the DCLG which is responsible for such responsibilities as local government, fire services, high streets and pubs.

In the last three years Lewis is the fourth housing minister, Grant Shapps held the post for two years and four months, Mark Prisk had the role for one year and one month whilst Hopkins only lasted for 10 months.