January’s cabinet reshuffle saw Caroline Flint appointed housing minister, as Yvette Cooper was promoted to a new influential position as chief secretary to the Treasury following two and a half years in the post. Flint was formerly minister of state for employment and welfare reform since June 2007 and she was appointed by Gordon Brown as MP for Yorkshire and the Humber in July 2007.<br><br>A former scientific and political researcher, Flint is “regarded as being on the centre-right of the Labour party and is seen as highly loyal to the Labour leadership,” according to political researchers DeHavilland. In her Don Valley constituency, Flint led a seven-year battle to secure an airport for Doncaster, which was opened in April 2005. TCPA chief executive Gideon Amos said: “Caroline Flint has experience of and has taken a keen interest in development in her constituency and the TCPA welcomes her appointment.” <br><br>He added: “Yvette Cooper has been a remarkable driving force in the zero carbon housing and ecotown agenda; these remain vital initiatives for her successor.” Imtiaz Farookhi, NHBC chief executive, commented: “The appointment of the new minister comes at a crucial time when we are facing some of the toughest challenges seen for …