Angela Eagle has been appointed Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs as part of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s new government.
She takes over the role after previously serving as a Defra minister between September 2025 and June 2026, before moving to the Home Office and Cabinet Office.
A long-serving Labour MP for Wallasey, Eagle has held a number of ministerial positions since first entering Parliament in 1992, including roles covering the environment, home affairs and the Treasury.
Her return to Defra comes at a significant time for British farming, with the sector looking to the new government for support on food production, environmental policy and the long-term future of agriculture.
Environment Secretary Angela Eagle said: “It is an honour to be appointed Environment Secretary, and I am delighted to be back in the Department. I want to thank Emma Reynolds for everything she achieved and giving me strong foundations to work from.
“This government is focused on the things that matter most to the British public. I will be tackling the cost of living; fixing the water system to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas; backing our farmers in growing quality British produce; restoring nature so that we have pride in local communities; and delivering a renewed relationship with the EU to help keep food bills down.
“This is the change people voted for, and I intend to deliver it.”