As part of the Government reshuffle, Simon Hoare, MP for North Dorset has been appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary to George Eustice, the Farming Minister at the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The appointment, which was approved by the Prime Minister and Chief Whip, came the day after Simon Hoare raised the importance of safeguarding UK farming during the Brexit negotiations at the new Prime Minister's first Prime Minister's Questions in the Commons . The post, which is unpaid, will see Simon Hoare acting as the Minister's 'eyes and ears' in the Commons, supporting the DEFRA Ministerial team and attending meetings at the Department. Commenting, Simon said: "I am absolutely delighted to have been promoted as part of the reshuffle. Given the rural nature of North Dorset I cannot think of a happier berth than as PPS to the Farming Minister. In my recent discussions at one of our regular meetings with the local North Dorset NFU Branch we recognised the importance of ensuring a powerful voice for UK farmers as Brexit comes to fruition. In her response to my question, the Prime Minister assured the Commons that the interests of agriculture will be taken fully into account in those discussions. As a DEFRA PPS, I will be working closely with our Farming Minister to carry this vital task forward."
