Ian Lucas new construction minister

Ian Lucas, MP for Wrexham, has been named as the new construction minister, he replaces Ian Pearson, who held the post for less than nine months and becomes the ninth minister in eight years

He takes over from Ian Pearson, who was called up to become Economics Secretary in the Treasury as part of Prime Minister Gordon Brown's reshuffle.It will be the latest in a long-line of appointments to the post , the ninth since 2001.

A spokesman for the National Federation of Builders said: “Unfortunately this revolving door policy for the construction minister no longer comes as a surprise. Soon any minister that makes it to 12 months in the job will qualify for a gold watch for long service."

Commenting on their website the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) director, Rosemary Beales, said: "This Government does not appear take construction seriously. The industry has had four ministers responsible for construction in two years, despite the fact that our industry accounts for more than 8% of GDP and will be pivotal in delivering economic recovery....I will be writing to the new minister to urge action on a range of issues particularly emphasising the need for sustained investment in infrastructure and the value to the country as a whole of such actions."