Mark Francois, the MP for Rayleigh and Wickford was reported to have replaced Brandon Lewis as Housing Minister in Cameron's new ministerial line up.Fifty year old, Francois has a little experience of the sector, as the vice-chair Basildon Council's housing committee in the early nineties. Other than that, the ex- Territorial Army man, studied History and worked as a banker, before getting consultancy work as a lobbyist.
The other thing we know about him is, he likes snacking - Peparami, Mars bars, Snickers, Kit Kats, wine gums, Twiglets, Jaffa Cakes, chocolate biscuits and Pringles are just some of his favourites.
Housing Minister - no change
However, contrary to the original announcement on Monday No.10 confirmed today (Tuesday) that in fact Brandon Lewis (a landlord himself) has been retained in post as Housing Minister.
I'd love to know the inside track on this rapid reverse. Did civil servants discover something about Francois past that might have come back to bite. Or was it just that a new post for Brandon was not forthcoming? Or was it just a good old fashioned civil servant 'cock up'.
Either way the civil servants in the ministry will be left with serious egg on their face.
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