Propertymark has responded to Baroness Eluned Morgan becoming Welsh Labour leader by calling for a renewed focus on “fair rents and adequate housing” and an extension of Help to Buy.

With Baroness Morgan set to be confirmed as First Minister in Wales after winning the support of the majority of the Welsh Labour Group, Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark, offered his congratulations and said he hoped it would be “the beginning of a period of stability for Welsh politics in general”.

Emerson added: “Should the Senedd confirm her as First Minister, Propertymark is keen to see Baroness Morgan place housing as a key priority for the Welsh Government. Aspects such as delivering sustainable housing must be front and centre of their commitment moving forward.

“In addition, measures such as extending Help to Buy to the second-hand housing market would also increase home ownership. Baroness Morgan should also prioritise bringing forward the Welsh Government’s delayed white paper on fair rents and adequate housing if she is serious about tackling Wales’s housing crisis.

“The new First Minister must realise that rent controls are not the answer when it comes to the long term stabilisation of rents. Instead, the Welsh Government should enhance their overall relationship with the private rented sector to enhance current housing supply by reviewing property taxation and available support in providing high quality accommodation.”