Banbury MP Victoria Prentis gets environment role in Boris Johnson's new government

The announcement was made on Friday. DEFRA is responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting the country's food and farming industry and sustaining a thriving rural economy.

Farmer's daughter Mrs Prentis describes herself as 'a passionate environmentalist and supporter of the rural economy' and says she is delighted that Prime Minister Boris Johnson has offered her this opportunity.

She said: “As a farmer’s daughter I am thrilled the Prime Minister has offered me the opportunity to join DEFRA. North Oxfordshire is a rural constituency and I know first-hand how important the rural economy is but also the challenges it faces. I am also passionate about the environment and tackling the threats it faces."