Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan has been appointed minister of state for food security and rural affairs.
He replaces Angela Eagle, the new security minister at both the Home Office and the Cabinet Office, who vacates the post under a year after Daniel Zeichner was stripped of the role in September.
The ministerial change, confirmed on Friday, comes as part of the latest government reshuffle and follows in the wake of former defence minister John Healey and former armed forces minister Al Carns’ dramatic resignations on Thursday.
Morgan had been junior lord of the Treasury (government whip), holding the position from 7 September, and served as parliamentary under-secretary of state (minister for early education) at the Department for Education prior to that.
“Delighted to be appointed minister of state for food security and rural affairs,” Morgan said in a statement on LinkedIn. “Being asked by the prime minister to serve our country in this role is an immense privilege.”
“Alongside the environment secretary and the Defra team, my focus will be clear: driving a green economy, protecting our natural environment and ensuring our rural and coastal communities truly thrive,” he added. “I look forward to working with the sector to help farms become more profitable and sustainable and backing our world-leading food, farming, and fishing industries. Let’s get to work.”
Morgan comes to the post without any prior food and farming experience, and at a time when businesses are struggling with issues from soaring energy and fertiliser prices to the uncertainty surrounding the government’s EU reset deal.
Despite his lack of experience, NFU president Tom Bradshaw welcomed Morgan’s appointment.
“I look forward to meeting Stephen Morgan,” Bradshaw said. “There is much work to do in the weeks and months ahead.
He added: “Working together, we must strengthen national food security and invest in the future of Britain’s farming sector to support the vital role it performs in the nation’s critical infrastructure and resilience.”
The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers also welcomed Morgan’s appointment.
“There is a lot in his in-tray for the meat and poultry sectors including the SPS agreement, issues with SIVEP at the French border, support for the domestic meat processing sector and delivering growth for the economy through support for businesses in recruitment of staff and our continued member’s growth in overseas markets,” a spokesperson said. “We look forward to meeting with him at the earliest opportunity.”
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