Gordon Brown’s cabinet re-shuffle at the end of last week led to John Denham being selected as the new Communities Secretary of State.

Denham replaces Hazel Blears who resigned dramatically earlier in the week amidst continuing MP expenses revelations. Blears’s allies accused the government of trying to ’smear’ her after a story appeared in one of the tabloids suggesting her decision to quit was connected to the revelation that she had avoided paying capital gains tax on a second property.

Rynd Smith, director of policy at the Royal Town Planning Institute told UK Planning Magazine: “We welcome John Denham as an astute appointment to this critically important role. John brings a wealth of experience as an environmental campaigner and local councillor, former housing committee chair and as Universities and Innovation Secretary to this role.

“Planning has a central role to play in managing the UK’s response to climate change and the RTPI also looks to John to further develop its role, particularly in the support of behavioural change and the adaptation of existing places to a greener, more sustainable future.”

Town and Country Planning Association Chief executive Gideon Amos OBE said: “There is a genuine opportunity to focus on the real priorities for the country, pressing climate change and housing need.

“John Denham has shown his keen interest in delivering genuine sustainable development and energy efficiency measures in his Southampton constituency these issue must take centre stage in CLG’s work.”

The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change remains Ed Miliband, however wind energy advocate - Peter Hain returns to the cabinet as Secretary of State for Wales.