**British Cypriot MP Nesil Caliskan Resigns from Government Role Following Prime Minister Transition**
Nesil Caliskan, a British Cypriot member of parliament, has announced her resignation from her position as parliamentary undersecretary of state for devolution, local growth, and communities. Her departure comes just three days after Andy Burnham was appointed as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
In a statement confirming her resignation, Caliskan expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve in the Labour government, particularly highlighting her work within the housing ministry. “It’s been an honour to serve in a Labour government, especially at the housing ministry. As a former council leader, I know that positive difference that putting power and resources into local communities makes,” she stated.
During her brief tenure of two months, Caliskan emphasized her commitment to initiatives aimed at enhancing local communities. She played a role in the government's "Pride in Place" initiative, which was launched last year to provide local authorities, small businesses, and community groups with funding for small infrastructural improvements. “I was proud to help drive our mission to deliver ‘pride in place’, improve high streets, devolve power, and work to address the challenges our country faces with community cohesion,” she added.
Caliskan extended her best wishes to Angela Rayner, the newly appointed Housing Secretary, and other officials who have taken on junior ministerial and undersecretary roles within the ministry. She expressed confidence in their abilities, stating, “They will be fantastic. I look forward to supporting them and the new prime minister as they work to bring opportunity and hope to every postcode.”
The UK’s housing ministry has not yet announced a successor to Caliskan, as decisions regarding the allocation of responsibilities among the newly appointed officials are still pending. Among those appointed to housing ministry positions are Florence Eshalomi, Sir Stephen Timms, Jacqui Smith, Sally Jameson, Satvir Kaur, Ray Collins, Jim McMahon, Judith Blake, and Simon Lightwood.
The restructuring of government roles comes in the wake of a significant shift in the UK government’s operational strategy. Angela Smith, the British Lord Privy Seal, revealed that the devolution, local growth, and communities brief would be relocated to Burnham’s new initiative, termed “No 10 North.” This initiative aims to move government offices from London to Manchester, with the goal of placing local economic growth policy and regional empowerment at the forefront of government strategy.
Smith described the establishment of No 10 North as a means to ensure that local economic growth policies are integrated with broader governmental strategies, asserting that it would serve as a “dominant driver of the UK’s economy.” The name “No 10 North” references the Prime Minister’s official residence at 10 Downing Street in London. Burnham has characterized the relocation plan as “the biggest rebalancing of power our country has ever seen.”
Caliskan, who represents the Barking constituency in London, was appointed to her undersecretary role by Burnham’s predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer, in May. Following her resignation, she will return to the backbenches of Parliament.
As the government undergoes these structural changes, the implications for local governance and community development remain to be seen, particularly with the new leadership and initiatives being implemented under Prime Minister Burnham.