The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs has confirmed that Liberal Democrat MP Dan Rogerson will replace Lord de Mauley as the new Waste and Resources Minister

Mr Rogerson, MP for North Cornwall, takes over the waste brief following the cabinet reshuffle, while Lord de Mauley will now focus on biodiversity and the natural environment at Defra.

Known by some in the sector for his involvement in the Associate Parliamentary Sustainable Resource Group, Mr Rogerson has previously been vocal on energy from waste in Cornwall, opposing plans for a plant, which is to be built by SITA UK.

Hereditary peer Lord de Mauley – born Rupert Charles Ponsonby – was appointed to the waste position in September 2012 and like his predecessor Lord Taylor, has held the position for just over 12 months.

During his time as waste minister, Lord de Mauley also voiced support for a 5p levy on plastic bags in England from autumn.

Lord de Mauley and Mr Rogerson join Conservative MP for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle. George Eustice – who was appointed parliamentary under-secretary of state at the department last week – and Conservative MP for North Shropshire, Owen Paterson, at Defra.

The reshuffle also saw Defra minister Richard Benyon return to the backbenches. Benyon acted as spokesman on waste issues including refuse derived fuel and the levy on single-use carrier bags.