Emma Reynolds has been appointed secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs, replacing Steve Reed in Labour’s first major reshuffle since taking office.
The move is part of a wider shake-up triggered by Angela Rayner’s resignation as deputy prime minister last week. Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer promoted David Lammy to the role of deputy PM, while Yvette Cooper was handed the foreign office.
At Defra, Dame Angela Eagle has replaced Daniel Zeichner as minister of state for food security and rural affairs. Zeichner expressed regret on social media, writing: “Very sad to be leaving a job in government I have loved… the baton is passed.”
The reshuffle, which also saw shifts in health and business departments, is being billed by Downing Street as a reset for Labour’s agenda heading into its second year in government.