Daniel Zeichner appointed as new farming minister

Mr Zeichner had previously served as shadow minister for environment, food and rural affairs. 

He has been the MP for Cambridge since 2015 and was once again re-elected last week. 

Mr Zeichner has been described by his colleagues from the Labour Party as a “life-long environmentalist, with an enduring interest in agriculture and food issues”.  

In 2021, he led the Labour Party in Parliament on the Agricultural Bill and was a member of the committee scrutinising the Environment Bill.  

He has recently spoken for Labour in many debates on food security and wider environmental issues, including challenging the government’s targets on air and water quality. 

Understanding of the role

NFU deputy president, David Exwood, wrote on X: “Congratulations Daniel. I look forward to working with you.  

“We appreciate the engagement you’ve had with the agriculture industry over a number of years and the understanding you bring to the role.” 

The news comes after the new Defra secretary has been announced. 

Steve Reed, who was previously Defra’s shadow minister since September 2023 as well as shadow secretary of state for justice and shadow lord chancellor, has been appointed the new secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs.  

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