As a result, Emma Reynolds has taken over as secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs, with Steve Reed vacating the role to become housing secretary. Given the economic and social importance of our food and farming sector, I’m hopeful that Ms Reynolds’ economic background will help drive this investment forward. CLA President Victoria Vyvyan said congratulated Ms Reynolds on her new role and described her as "a champion of the rural cause". "She will know already of the immense potential of the rural economy to generate growth and create jobs," said Ms Vyvyan. Meanwhile, veteran Labour MP Dame Angela Eagle has replaced Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner as farming minister.