Prime minister Andy Burnham has reshuffled Defra’s ministerial team, appointing Jenny Riddell-Carpenter as a parliamentary under-secretary of state in her first ministerial role.
The Suffolk Coastal MP joins the department alongside a series of changes that see Emma Hardy promoted to minister of state, while Stephen Morgan moves from minister of state for food security and rural affairs to a junior ministerial position. Baroness Hayman of Ullock remains the only Defra minister to retain her existing post.
Defra has yet to announce individual ministerial portfolios, leaving uncertainty over responsibility for farming, fisheries, water, food security and nature policy.
Posting on Facebook, Ms Riddell-Carpenter said she was 'delighted' to join the department, adding that her new role would focus on rural affairs and nature – issues she described as hugely important to both her and her Suffolk Coastal constituency.
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Elected in 2024, Ms Riddell-Carpenter previously served on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Select Committee and has spoken out on issues affecting farmers. She has urged ministers to address concerns over inheritance tax reforms and has criticised the market power of the UK's largest supermarkets, accusing them of driving down farmgate prices.
The reshuffle also marks the departure of Mary Creagh, who had served as nature minister since July 2024. Her responsibilities included biodiversity, forestry, environmental targets, protected landscapes and the circular economy.
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