Pat has been chair of the Government Property Agency since 2020 and currently sits on the Homes England board.

She was previously CEO of both Newcastle City Council and the Homes and Communities Agency.

Her interim position is expected to last up to 18 months, with Peter stepping down to focus on his role as chair of the Cambridge Growth Company.

“I would like to thank Peter once again for his leadership of the agency over the last four years and look forward to continuing to work with him in the years ahead to realise the full potential of Greater Cambridge,” said Matthew Pennycook, housing and planning minister.

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“I am delighted that Pat has accepted the role of interim chair and I am very much looking forward to working with her in the role. Pat commands considerable respect in the sector, brings a wealth of experience from previous roles, and is well-placed to ensure the Agency is effectively supporting the government’s ambitious housing agenda.”

Pat added: “It is an honour to lead an organisation I have been so closely involved with for many years. We will work tirelessly with local leaders, housing associations, developers and investors to deliver the homes our country needs, building on strong foundations of place-based working and successful delivery laid by Peter Freeman.”