And, at the same time, Mr Eustice has appointed the next chair of the Environment Agency, Alan Lovell.
Mr Double was elevated to a parliamentary under secretary role at Defra on 8 July as the then recycling minister Jo Churchill quit the post as one of the MPs who opted not to back Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Now, Mr Double, MP for St Austell and Newquay since 2015, will have responsibilities for:
· floods and water
· science and innovation, including gene editing and agri-food innovation
· Defra delivery of Net Zero and climate change adaptation
· domestic and international environmental management and regulation
· commercial projects
· lead for Environment Agency
One of his key tasks should be to progress the legislation around Consistent Collections and a Deposit Return Scheme although these are now expected to be delayed until after the new leader of the Conservative Party, and hence Prime Minister, is chosen. This will be decided by 5 September 2022.
Once that happens there will be a new set of ministers and Mr Double could find himself in a different government post although with an interest in plastic pollution he may be a candidate to come back to his Defra post.
Environment Agency
Yesterday (19 July) Mr Eustice confirmed Alan Lovell DL as the new chair of the Environment Agency.
The Secretary of State said: “Alan will bring a wide range of experience, enthusiasm and leadership to the role and I am delighted he will be the next Chair of the Environment Agency.
“His knowledge and experience will be a real asset as we work together to improve and enhance the natural environment.”
Alan Lovell said: “It is a great honour to be appointed Chair of the Environment Agency.
“This is a vital organisation, full of excellent committed people striving to do their best for the nation’s flood defences, for the environment as a whole, and in the battle against climate change. It will be a privilege to join them and to try to make a difference.”
The Environment Agency is a fantastic organisation of committed public servants
Emma Howard Boyd, Chair of the Environment Agency, said: “The Environment Agency is a fantastic organisation of committed public servants who save lives, protect nature and support business. It’s been a privilege to be Chair. I am delighted to welcome Alan as the next Chair of the Environment Agency. He brings a wealth of experience from his time in business and his time as Chair of the Consumer Council for Water.”
Mr Lovell has recently commented on the waste and recycling sector, saying that waste should not be sent abroad and that funding should be given to boost recycling rather than incineration (see letsrecycle.com story)
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