Labour MP Kelly Foy appointed to housing minister role

Mary Kelly Foy MP has been appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary to Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, a move that signals continued focus on private rental sector regulation and social housing delivery.

The appointment was announced as part of a series of ministerial positions under Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Kelly Foy, who represents the City of Durham constituency, has previously campaigned on housing issues including private rental standards and student accommodation availability.

Policy focus areas

In a Facebook statement, Kelly Foy outlined her priorities: “Many constituents will know that I am often on the case about various HCLG related issues from the lack of social housing, fleecehold and dodgy landlords to name but a few.”

The MP referenced the government’s commitment to deliver what has been described as the largest council house building programme since the post-war period, though specific targets and timelines have not yet been detailed.

Kelly Foy is a member of the Socialist Campaign Group, positioning her on the left of the Labour Party. Her appointment comes as technology firms continue to secure funding for lettings platforms, reflecting ongoing investment in the rental sector despite regulatory changes.

Student housing concerns

The MP has been vocal on student accommodation issues in Durham. In 2022, she responded to reports of students queuing for hours outside letting agencies: “I have been contacted by huge numbers of students and their parents who are utterly dismayed by the chaos of spiralling rents and limited availability of housing.”

The student accommodation market has faced pressure in several university cities, with lettings agents in some areas managing significantly higher property volumes than the national average.

Implications for landlords

The appointment may signal continued regulatory scrutiny of the private rental sector. Kelly Foy’s track record suggests support for stronger enforcement measures and expanded social housing provision, areas likely to feature in upcoming housing policy discussions.

As Parliamentary Private Secretary, Kelly Foy will support Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook in advancing the government’s housing agenda, which includes both private rental reform and social housing expansion.