Callcutt leaves EP to head up Housebuilding Delivery

English Partnerships chief executive John Callcutt has been seconded by Communities and Local Government (CLG) to head up the government's Review of Housebuilding Delivery, prompting further speculation that the Housing Corporation and English Partnerships are set to merge.

Callcutt had been named as a possible candidate to head up the two organisations in the event of a merger, but English Partnerships refused to comment on whether the merger was going ahead or whether Callcutt's move paved the way for the other main contender, Housing Corporation chief executive John Rouse, to take the role should it arise.

Commenting on Callcutt's departure, English Partnerships chairman Baroness Ford said: "John has made a major contribution to English Partnerships during his time and we are sorry that he will be leaving us. However, we continue to have an extremely strong senior management team."

She also announced that EP chief operating officer John Walker will be appointed as accounting officer from 2 January 2007, when Callcutt takes up his new role.