Intro

Steve Reed was given the job of Housing Secretary as the result of crisis, after the resignation of his close friend Angela Rayner.

But he has been part of the inner circle preparing Keir Starmer's rise to power from the beginning, having recruited the man who ended up as the prime minister's Chief of Staff.

In this interview, he gives Nick a behind-the-scenes account of coming to power and the "whirlwind" of an emergency reshuffle.

They also discuss how to reconnect with the voters, putting up flags and who he'll have to fight to succeed in building the homes that Labour has promised

Producer: Daniel Kraemer Researcher: Chloe Desave Sound editing: Hal Haines Editor: Giles Edwards