David Rutley MP has been appointed as parliamentary under secretary of state at Defra, replacing Thérèse Coffey MP while she “recovers from a period of illness”.

The government announcement, highlighted that the Queen “has been pleased to approve,” the temporary move until Dr Coffey makes a full recovery and is ready to return to work. Mr Rutley has some experience within the environmental sector having previously worked as a special adviser in the last Conservative government at the Treasury and Cabinet Office.

Mr Rutley is also chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on mountaineering and the vice chair of the APPG on national parks.