In a letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Ms Coffey said that she considers “now is the right time to step back from government”.
Reflecting on her time as head of Defra, she added: “I have strengthened the foundations for Defra to deliver here in the UK and globally, such that this government has achieved more than any other to protect our planet.
“Having a sustainable farming and food sector is critical for our long-term food security and by listening to farmers and making changes, I am confident we can deliver that sustainability and strengthen both our farming and fishing sectors.”
Responding to the news NFU President Minette Batters said: “I’d like to thank Thérèse Coffey for her work as Defra Secretary of State over the past year.
“It is a challenging time for many farmers and growers, and I look forward to working with Steve Barclay to help secure a positive future for British food and farming.”
Steve Barclay enters the role after previously serving as Health Secretary since 25 October 2022. He was first elected as MP for North East Cambridgeshire in May 2010 and is the 10th Defra Secretary since that year.
Prior to his election to Parliament, Mr Barclay was educated at King Edward VII School, Lytham, did a short-service commission with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, and read history at Peterhouse, Cambridge. He then qualified as a solicitor working in various roles for Axa Insurance, the Financial Services Authority, and Barclays Bank.
“It is a challenging time for many farmers and growers, and I look forward to working with Steve Barclay to help secure a positive future for British food and farming.”
NFU President Minette Batters
The appointment was made as part of the Prime Minister’s cabinet reshuffle after the sacking of Suella Braverman as Home Secretary.
Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Barclay said he would be working to “back British farming and fishing, champion rural communities and protect the environment”.
“As an MP for a rural area, I know how important these issues are to many people up and down our country,” he added.
Following the announcement, NFU President Minette Batters met with the new Defra Secretary to welcome him into his role and outline key issues including food security, the SFI (Sustainable Farming Incentive), fairness in the supply chain, and flooding.
