New non-executive directors for Environment Agency

Mr Meacher has also appointed Ted Cantle, chief executive of Nottingham City Council and Peter Matthews from the water industry.

Commenting on the appointments, agency chairman Sir John Harman said he is looking forward to working with the new board members.

The Environment Agency is run by a board that must comprise of no less than eight and no more than 15 members at any time, including the Chairman and Deputy Chairman.
The National Assembly for Wales appoints one board member; three members are appointed by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the remainder by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and Regions. The Secretary of State also designates the Chairman and Deputy Chairman.

Board members oversee the operations of the Environment Agency and are answerable to their respective Ministers.