The Enquirer understands that Osborne is being lined-up to take over the contract covering more than 20,000 Affinity Sutton homes across London and the South East.

Willmott Dixon was awarded the five-year deal in February 2012.

A company statement said: “Affinity Sutton and Willmott Dixon have agreed to shorten the term of their current responsive repairs and voids contract with effect from 25 June 2013”

The contract was run under a subsidiary company know as ASLA.

The statement added: “Affinity Sutton are grateful to Willmott Dixon for successfully establishing the ASLA wholly-owned subsidiary and in delivering the new integrated programme of work during its first year.

“Affinity Sutton, in conjunction with ASLA, are working together to handover to a successor service provider.”