Ms Coffey was recycling minister at the department between 2016 and 2019, first appointed under Andrea Leadsom and kept on by Michael Gove.
The sector will be hoping the Suffolk Coastal MP will provide fresh impetus to the stalled Resources and Waste Strategy, as she was involved in shaping the legislation in 2018 and is seen as one of the architects of the policies.
Replacing Ranil Jayawardena, who was appointed by the former Prime Minister Liz Truss and was dismissed earlier today, Ms Coffey returns to the department after a role as deputy Prime Minister and secretary of state for health and social care under Truss.
NEW: Thérèse Coffey has been appointed as Environment Secretary 👇 pic.twitter.com/5pgVfRfuBP
— Conservatives (@Conservatives) October 25, 2022
Recycling
During her time as recycling minister she visited a number of countries to see how a DRS would operate (see letsrecycle.com story).
On energy from waste plants, she stated that if the strategy works “there will be no need for additional capacity”, but said she would “not be opposed” to the wider industry brining competition for local authorities for capacity.
She also visited several flats to examine how recycling can be increased from them in the capital.
Other policy statements she made during her time include calling for weight-based recycling targets and reform of the PRN system.
Career
Ms Coffey graduated from University College London with a PhD in chemistry.
Other roles in parliament include her role as deputy leader of the House of Commons from May 2015 until July 2016.
She also served on the culture, media and sport committee until she was appointed parliamentary private secretary to Michael Fallon, minister for business and energy.
The gov.uk website says she has campaigned on stopping the A14 toll, improving NHS experience for patients and better broadband.
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