Nick Herbert takes up environment post

Mr Herbert confirmed as the Conservative's new shadow secretary of state for the environment, food and rural affairs.

His move from the justice portfolio in the Shadow Cabinet is one of several key changes in a reshuffle to create what party leader David Cameron described as the 'strongest possible shadow cabinet to take us forward to the general election'.

Mr Herbert, whose grandfather farmed at Northiam in East Sussex, commented: "This is a great brief for me. I am passionate about defending rural communities and protecting the environment.

"I enjoyed my time at justice but it's good to have a new challenge, especially on such important issues that are close to my heart and directly relevant to this very rural constituency."

His appointment has been welcomed by the Country Land and Business Association, which said his strong rural background gave him a good understanding of the problems currently facing the rural sector.

The National Farmers' Union said that it was looking forward to working with Mr Herbert in his new role and hoped to meet with him at the earliest opportunity.

Mr Herbert helped to set up the Countryside Movement, which later became the Countryside Alliance.

He has been the MP for Arundel and South Downs since the last election in May 2005. That December saw him join the front bench as shadow minister for police reform.

In July 2007, he was promoted to the shadow cabinet as shadow justice secretary.

In his constituency, Mr Herbert has been a strong supporter of farming and the countryside, and has opposed excessive development.

This week, he will write to the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, requesting that he intervene to prevent the export of nearly two million tonnes of waste from London to West Sussex over the next 20 years.

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