It was first announced that she had been promoted to a Minister of State role on 21 July 2026, and her exact remit was confirmed yesterday (30 July 2026).
She first joined the department as a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State on 9 July 2024.
Hardy was elected as MP for Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice in the same month.
Mary Creagh previously held the position of Circular Economy Minister, but it is understood that this is the first time a minister has had the titular responsibility for waste crime.
Becky Shrubsole has also now officially taken over the role of Director of Circular Economy within Defra.
She replaces Emma Bourne, who left the department in January 2026 after being appointed Director General for EU Reset and Trade.
Long-standing Defra civil servant Simon James held the role on an interim basis.
This month, Dame Angela Eagle was made Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs as part of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s first Cabinet.
Eagle replaced Emma Reynolds, who moved to the Treasury as Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
The sector has welcomed the appointments of Hardy and Shrubsole as “promising”.
Wood Recyclers’ Association (WRA) Executive Director Julia Turner said: “We would like to congratulate Emma Hardy on her new role at Defra. Having a dedicated Minister for the Circular Economy and Waste Crime is a positive step for the waste and resources sector.
“We hope that Emma will prioritise the publication of the delayed Circular Economy Growth Plan, and we look forward to working with her to ensure the waste wood sector continues to play a vital role in supporting the UK’s circular economy.”
Circular Economy Growth Plan
It may be an indication that hope is not completely lost for the publication of the Circular Economy Growth Plan.
Some industry experts warned that Labour’s leadership change may mean that the growth plan is “dead in the water”.
All government departments are expected to avoid making any major policy announcements for the time being – a standstill that will likely continue for several months following the reshuffle.
Key industry figures privately told letsrecycle.com that they strongly suspect this will mean the Circular Economy Growth Plan will fall off the priority list and will not be released at all.
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