Steve Reed has decided not to make a permanent appointment after a campaign to find a replacement for Richard Blakeway

An interim housing ombudsman has been appointed after the housing ministry failed to find a permanent candidate.

Andrea Keenoy, currently chief operating officer at the watchdog, will take up the top role from the start of August after her appointment by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

Steve Reed shutterstock_2679632889

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Steve Reed has decided not to make a permanent appointment at this time

Housing secretary Steve Reed decided not to make a permanent appointment following a recent campaign to find a successor to Richard Blakeway, who will complete his second and final term on 31 July.

The government said it would confirm next steps for the role “in due course”.

Keenoy joined the Housing Ombudsman Service in 2015 and previously served as interim ombudsman from 2018 to 2019.

“Our priority is to ensure continuity and stability for residents, landlords and our colleagues, and to maintain a high standard of service,” she said.

“Richard Blakeway led the Ombudsman during a period of intense scrutiny on social housing. From leading the conversation around damp and mould to bringing consistency to complaint handling across all landlords, the changes in attitudes and service delivery he has driven have been significant.

“I look forward to leading the organisation through this next chapter while we wait for the next Housing Ombudsman to be appointed.”