The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has called for consistency in government after Rishi Sunak became Britain’s third prime minister this year.
Sunak saw off rival Penny Mordaunt, in a rapid process to replace former prime minister Liz Truss, who lasted just 44 days in office.
Mordaunt failed to gain the support of 100 MPs which she needed to take the contest to a vote among party members.
Sunak, who warned of “profound economic challenges” as he took office, called for stability and unity in the Conservative Party, following a period of bitter infighting.
Responding to the news of Sunak’s win, Eddie Tuttle, policy, research and public affairs director at CIOB, said: “At the time Liz Truss became prime minister, we called for consistency and ministers to be appointed for the long term to provide some stability and confidence for those in the construction industry, and this position hasn’t changed. In fact, with so many changes in government since then, is even more relevant.
“Levelling up, net zero and energy efficiency in existing and new housing remain key issues we’d like the new PM and their cabinet to focus on in relation to their immediate priorities, which will clearly be the economy and cost of living crisis.
“The levelling-up agenda provides significant opportunities for the construction sector, through local job creation and stability, while property retrofit schemes to improve energy efficiency for example, will further boost the sector and go some way to helping residents mitigate rising energy costs.
“Long-term infrastructure and capital investment planning is also very much needed to provide a level of assurance and confidence for the industry and its supply chain together with the need to address the current delays in the planning system which are constraining supply.”
