Wednesday 23 May 2018

Environment Minister Therese Coffey steps down temporarily

Therese Coffey MP has temporarily stepped down from her role as Environment Minister.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said Ms Coffey is recovering from a “period of illness” - MP for Macclesfield David Rutley has been appointed to temporarily replace her.

His role will be unpaid in addition to his post as a government whip – his duties will cover marine environment, air quality, waste and the 25-Year Environment Plan.

A Defra spokesperson said: "Minister Coffey is currently absent due to ill health. We wish her a swift recovery and look forward to her returning to Defra soon."

Defra yesterday unveiled its latest proposals under the clean air strategy to tackle air pollution in the UK.