Ranil Jayawardena has been appointed as the UK’s new Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The Conservative MP for North East Hampshire, previously Minister for International Trade from May 2020 to September 2022, joins new Prime Minister Liz Truss’ first Cabinet.
He will succeed George Eustice, who backed Rishi Sunak in the Conservative leadership campaign.
Mr Jayawardena stated it is a “privilege” to be appointed in the new role at (Defra).
🚜 It is a privilege to be appointed the Secretary of State for @DefraGovUK.
🌾 From food security and backing British farmers, to water security and growing our rural economy, I know that there is much to do.
🧑🌾 It is so important to recognise where our food comes from.
(1/2) pic.twitter.com/WefSjgvjer
— Ranil Jayawardena MP (@ranil) September 7, 2022
He added: “From food security and backing British farmers, to water security and growing our rural economy, I know that there is much to do.
“It is so important to recognise where our food comes from.”
The new PM also appointed Jacob Rees-Mogg as Business and Energy Secretary and Kwasi Kwarteng as Chancellor.
In addition, Graham Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness and previously Minister for Europe, has been appointed as Minister for Climate at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
He said: “I am honoured to have been appointed as Minister for Climate.
“It is vital that under this climate-friendly Conservative Government the United Kingdom continues to drive forward progress in combating the chronic danger of climate change and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the department and around the world to champion this important issue.”
