Lord Rooker quits RABDF after one month in charge

Lord Rooker is expected to quit the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers presidency to take up a £60,000 a year post with the Food Standards Agency.

The FSA will pay the salary for the peer to act as chairman, working just two days a week.

Before he is appointed he must first face a public hearing with the Health Select Committee on Monday (6 July) to confirm his suitability for the role.

RABDF chairman Nick Everington said he was disappointed by the decision after Lord Rooker only completed one month in charge.

“We are naturally disappointed by Lord Rooker’s decision to resign from the position of RABDF president, assuming the appointment is confirmed,” he said.

“We understand the reasons for his decision and believe he is an appropriate person for the job. Our immediate past president, Lady Byford, has agreed to resume the position until a successor is confirmed.”

Talk of the role has already caused some controversy over allegations Labour are placing key party representatives into high powered public positions.

But an NFU spokesman said the appointment was a positive move.