With the announcement coming less than 24 hours before the first PMQs of the new term, the waste industry will no doubt breathe a collective sigh of relief that it will be represented in the Commons. But questions remain.
As with his predecessor, Mr Stewart’s background gives little indication of what stance he will take on waste within the department.
Waste trade bodies such as ESA, CIWM and the Resource Association have made it abundantly clear that further government intervention is needed if England hopes to meet its 50% recycling target by the 2020 deadline.
Likewise, the UK’s relationship with the EU and the contents of its circular economy package are likely to be at the forefront of business leaders’ minds going into 2016 and beyond.
But given departmental cuts, increased responsibilities for the three remaining Defra ministers and the government’s past reluctance to get stuck in on waste policy, the scope for Whitehall assistance is unclear.
Perhaps the sector can take solace in the junior minister’s appointment as deputy to Liz Truss on the EU’s environment council – which will give him a front row seat to any updates on circular economy progress.
If not, then at least they can say his constituency campaign to save household waste and recycling centres in Penrith & The Borders was a noble cause.
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