The Tory MP for Newbury is confirmed as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for DEFRA
Richard Benyon MP has been appointed as the new waterways minister.
The MP for Newbury was confirmed as the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) on 14 May 2010.
His responsibilities cover inland waterways, implementing the marine coastal act, marine management and fisheries.
Mr Benyon said he was very pleased to join the government and looked forward to getting to grips with the role.
“When we were in opposition there were a lot of things we wanted to do and couldn’t achieve, but now we can move forward,” he said.
Mr Benyon served as a Shadow Minister for Environment, Fisheries and Wildlife. Prior to this appointment he was a Party Whip. He has also served on the Home Affairs Select Committee.
He is a riparian landowner and farmer on the Kennett, and a former soldier and founder of the charity help for heroes.
He is a vice-president of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust and a keen angling supporter.
