The chief of the £9bn Thames Gateway has been controversially replaced, after claims of differences with ministers. Chief executive, Judith Armitt, left her post just days after the prime minister led the high-profile launch of a strategic plan to regenerate the Gateway. Media speculation cited differences between Ms Armitt and Cabinet housing minister, Yvette Cooper, as the reason for her exit. Ms Armitt, a former chief executive of Medway Council, was appointed chief executive of the Thames Gateway strategic executive in 2006. DCLG permanent secretary, Peter Housden, said Joe Montgomery, as director general, regions and communities, had now taken direct responsibility for the Thames Gateway Executive.