Wilson steps down as construction minister in Whitehall reshuffle

Brian Wilson has stepped down as construction minister after two years in office - as tipped by CJ last month.

Wilson, who was given the unenviable task of juggling construction and energy portfolios, decided to leave his post to "try other challenges" following yesterday's (Thursday) ministerial reshuffle across Whitehall.

Appointed in 2001 as construction came under the control of the Department of Trade & Industry from the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, Wilson leaves behind an ailing Quality Mark scheme which is struggling to increase its membership - now standing at less than 400 members.

However he can be comforted that Constructionline is showing some success with a 22% increase in the number of clients using the pre-qualified contractor list in the year to March 2003.

In April last year the minister, criticised for putting construction second to energy, changed his title from industry and energy minister to minister for energy, construction and environment.

But the change did little to stop the critics and rumours are that Whitehall lost its patience with Wilson and wanted to make changes - even before the official reshuffle date.

A replacement has yet to be announced.