Shapps tipped for promotion as Cameron seeks to relaunch Coalition

Published by Jon Land for 24dash.com in Central Government and also in Housing

Housing Minister Grant Shapps has been tipped for promotion to David Cameron's Cabinet if, as expected, the Coalition parties suffer heavy losses in today's mid-term elections.

The Prime Minister is expected to reshuffle his increasingly beleaguered ministerial team in a bid to draw a line under the recent barrage of negative headlines - which are likely to be reflected by results in council elections held across the country.

While Shapps may not be held in high esteem by many working in the housing sector, he is increasingly seen as one of the Conservative Party's most promising MPs. He is regularly rolled out to defend the party in television interviews and is regarded as a popular and capable politician.

As Housing Minister he is not currently entitled to attend Cabinet meetings but that could change when Cameron looks to set the Coalition back on track following the Queen's Speech on May 9.

Shapps and Cameron are known to have an excellent working relationship. They jointly launched last November's controversial Housing Strategy and in recent weeks the Housing Minister hosted a reception to promote self-build at Downing Street.

Employment minister Chris Grayling and planning minister Greg Clark have also been tipped for promotion in any reshuffle while Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman, Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke and Commons Leader Sir George Young are widely tipped for the axe.

More than 4,700 seats are up for grabs on 128 English councils today, along with 32 Scottish and 21 Welsh authorities. Labour is tipped to gain 700 seats.

As voters headed for the polls, leader Ed Miliband said: “Labour is showing we can make different choices, decisions which help people through these tough times.”

The Prime Minister said: “I hope people will recognise it’s about electing your local council — who is going to keep the council tax down, who’s going to look after your area?”

Pic: David Cameron and Grant Shapps meet Right to Buy applicants (Copyright: CLG)