Michael Gove has said he is ‘surprised and delighted’ to land the ‘really important’ Defra job, after he was brought back from the political wilderness by Prime Minister Theresa May.
Mr Gove, an advocate of hard Brexit who has not been afraid to implement radical and unpopular reform in previous roles, notably Education, has put in charge of Defra at a critical time for the industry, as a new post-Brexit agricultural policy is developed.
Speaking to Sky News following his surprise appointment, he said: “I am absolutely delighted. Environment Secretary is a really important job.
“I am flattered that Theresa May has asked me to re-join her team and I hope to play a part in ensuring that, as we prepare to leave the EU and things like the Common Agricultural Policy no longer apply, that we safeguard what is best in our environment and make sure also those who make our countryside beautiful and who keep it productive are at the heart of policymaking.”
Seemingly cast into the political wilderness by the Prime Minister, to who he came a distant third in last year’s leadership race, the former Education Secretary was brought back into the fold after Mrs May suffered a disappointing and damaging election result.
“I was quite surprised I have to say. I Genuinely did not expect this role so I am delighted to be part of the Government and to be able to support Theresa to ensure we have a Government capable of delivering on the people’s wishes.”