Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: ‘Levelling up’ axed from name as Rayner slams ‘gimmicks’

Labour has signalled its break with the Boris Johnson era by ditching the “levelling up” slogan from the department responsible for local authorities, reverting to its previous name the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities – which was given its name under Johnson to reflect his campaign slogan– has a new name, ministers confirmed on Tuesday.

This change was confirmed by  Jim McMahon, a minister in the department, in a BBC interview this morning, who said levelling up was “only ever a slogan” not felt in communities, and criticised the previous omission of local government from the department’s title.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner was appointed as the Housing Ministry’s Secretary of State in Starmer’s cabinet in one of the first ministerial appointments of his government.

She posted on X this morning:

READ MORE: ‘Starmer’s mayor summit is no stunt. Why Labour means it on devolution’

LabourList had previously reported that this change was likely to happen upon Labour entering government, with sources saying the new name would do what it says on the tin.

The department was not immediately available for comment.

It came as the Prime Minister met with England’s regional metro-mayors this morning in Downing Street to discuss devolution and growth.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham praised the meeting, telling Sky News “we have a commitment to a council of the regions and nations, which sounds fantastic”.

He said a commitment to Northern Powerhouse rail was also welcome.

READ MORE: Sign up to our must-read daily briefing email on all things Labour

Read more of our 2024 general election coverage:

North East Somerset and Hanham: Can Labour mayor Dan Norris consign Jacob Rees-Mogg to history?

Finchley and Golders Green: Can Labour win back Britain’s most Jewish seat?

Small boats and Tory mutineers: Can veteran Mike Tapp win Dover and Deal?

East Thanet: Inside the battle for coastal ex-UKIP stronghold not won since 2005

Sheffield Hallam: ‘Can Labour’s Olivia Blake hold on in Nick Clegg’s old seat?’

Battle of the bar charts in Wimbledon: Inside a rare election three-horse race

Could Labour take ‘non-battleground’ Tory seats across the South West?

Meet NHS doctor Zubir Ahmed, fighting one of Scotland’s tightest marginals

Brighton Pavilion: As Starmer visits, can Labour win the Greens’ one seat?

Labour wants a new generation of new towns. Can it win in Milton Keynes?

Meet Gordon McKee, the 29-year-old son of a welder vying for Glasgow South

Revealed: The battlegrounds attracting most activists as 17,000 sign up

SHARE: If you have anything to share that we should be looking into or publishing about this story – or any other topic involving Labour or the election – contact us (strictly anonymously if you wish) at [email protected]. 

SUBSCRIBE: Sign up to LabourList’s morning email here for the best briefing on everything Labour, every weekday morning. 

DONATE: If you value our work, please donate to become one of our supporters here and help sustain and expand our coverage.

PARTNER: If you or your organisation might be interested in partnering with us on sponsored events or content, email [email protected].