One of the longest-serving government ministers, Mr Meacher stepped down today (June 13) as Prime Minister Tony Blair finalised his government reshuffled.
 Meacher: well-respected |
A well-respected figure in waste and recycling circles, Mr Meacher has often emphasised the need for local authorities to act today rather than tomorrow in driving up recycling rates.
He has had successes such as in agreeing voluntary targets for the use of recycled material in newspapers but has failed to make major progress in tackling junk mail and in driving up local authority recycling rates.
Mr Meacher has been heavily involved in waste issues since his appointment in 1997, and has been particularly vocal in support of the government's Waste and Emissions Trading Bill.
MP for Oldham since 1970, it is thought Mr Meacher's views on genetically modified crops were at odds with those of the Prime Minister.
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