George Eustice takes top role at Defra
George Eustice, has been given the top role as secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs after his predecessor Theresa Villers was ousted.
He was the former minister for agriculture, fisheries and food, but in March 2019 he quit the Government over Theresa May’s promise to allow MPs a vote on delaying Brexit.
He was reappointed to the ministerial role in July 2019 after Johnson became PM.
National Farmers Union (NFU) president Minette Batters has congratulated the new appointment and said she looked forward to working with him to help pave the way for a thriving food and farming sector post-Brexit.
“British farming is among the best in the world at producing safe, traceable and nutritious food and I look forward to working with the new secretary of state to position British food and farming as a global leader in sustainable, high-quality, climate-friendly food,” said Batters.
“George Eustice is well-respected within the farming community for his knowledge and understanding of farming, but also his hard work as a minister in Defra over the past six years. I hope to welcome him on to my farm very soon to further discuss British farming’s potential as we start a life outside the EU.”
Joining Eustice in the Department for Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) is the Rt Hon Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park who was appointed as Minister of State in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department for International Development and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 13 February 2020.
Victoria Prentis MP was appointed parliamentary under secretary of state at Defra on 14 February 2020.
Meanwhile, Nicola Blackwood has been appointed as the new minister at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), overseeing the life sciences sector.
