Conflict of interest calls greet Steve Barclay at Defra

Steve Barclay's appointment as environment secretary in last week’s Cabinet reshuffle has come under fire on the grounds of an alleged conflict of interest – he is married to Anglian Water’s head of regional engagement Karen Barclay. There is already a 38 Degrees petition to remove him.

Environmentalists welcomed Therese Coffey’s departure who Barclay has replaced at Defra.

Meanwhile, Lord Benyon added a minister of state appointment at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to his ministerial responsibilities at Defra.