Natural England chair announces plan to retire next year

Natural England’s chair, Andrew Sells, has announced his plan to retire in January 2019 after five years in the post.

Sells, in his letter to environment secretary, Michael Gove, said “I have always believed that five years in any such job is long enough.” He said he had discussed the timing of his retirement with Number 10 last summer.

Also in his letter Sells said it had been “a pleasure” to work with Gove, adding: “From the day of your appointment the department has felt like a different place; your hugely welcome commitment to the environment and to the work of Natural England is much appreciated.”