The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has appointed a new farming minister for the third time since the start of the current Labour government back in July 2024.
Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, was given the role of Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs on Friday, June 12.
Morgan succeeds Dame Angela Eagle, who stepped down as farming minister – a role she had held since September 6, 2025 – to take over as Minister for Security,
This cabinet reshuffle was triggered by the resignation of former Secretary of State for Defence, John Healy, who stepped down from the role over funding concerns on Thursday, June 11.
It marks Defra’s third appointment of a farming minister since Labour came into power, with Morgan and Eagle taking up the mantle from their predecessor Daniel Zeichner, who served the position from July 8, 2024 until September 6, 2025.
New farming minister
Morgan, who previously served as Minister for Early Education, will now be responsible for food security, farming, trade, science and innovation as part of his new ministerial duties.
Speaking on his new role, the Portsmouth MP stated that he was “delighted” and described it as “an immense privilege”.
He said: “My focus will be clear: driving a green economy, protecting our natural environment and ensuring our rural and costal communities truly thrive.
“I look forward to working with the sector to help farms become more profitable and sustainable and backing our world-leading food, farming, and fishing industries.”
NFU
The National Farmer’s Union (NFU) also commented on the appointment of a new farming minister, with NFU president Tom Bradshaw thanking Minister Eagle for her time in the role,
Bradshaw added: “There is much work to do in the weeks and months ahead so I look forward to meeting Stephen Morgan.
“Working together, we must strengthen national food security and invest in the future of Britain’s farming sector to support the vital role it performs in the nation’s critical infrastructure and resilience.”
The director general for food, farming and biosecurity at Defra, Emily Miles confirmed that Morgan has so far held meetings with Bradshaw and Country Land and Business Association (CLA) president Gavin Lane as well.