Sir Edward Lister has resigned as chairman of Homes England to concentrate on his new role as the PM’s chief strategic advisor.

Lister has been chairman of Homes England for the past three years, and will initially be replaced by Simon Dudley, a senior independent director, who will step up to deputise while a new chair is recruited.

Announcing the news in a brief statement, Homes England chief executive Nick Walkley said: "Sir Edward Lister is stepping down as chairman of the Homes England board permanently to focus on his new role as prime minister Boris Johnson’s chief strategic advisor. I’d like to thank him for his huge contribution to the agency, particularly during a period that has seen us expand rapidly.”

New interim chair Simon Dudley said: “Sir Edward leaves a remarkable legacy, including making the case for a new Homes England that promises to disrupt the housing market to deliver the homes this country needs. Sir Edward has worked tirelessly to ensure Homes England has the expertise it needs, helping to double the number of staff in just 18 months, and by strengthening its board to make it more resilient and diverse.

“We are all incredibly grateful of the support Sir Edward has given Homes England and its partners over the past three years and I am honoured to continue to stand in whilst we look to recruit a new Homes England chair.”