Labour MP is announced as new Countryside Alliance chairman

KATE HOEY MP has been announced as the future chairman of the Countryside Alliance.

Miss Hoey, Labour MP for Vauxhall since 1989, will replace John Jackson when he steps down in the autumn.

The alliance has also announced that Conservative peer Lord Mancroft will become deputy chairman of the organisation.

Miss Hoey said: “It is a great honour, and a great challenge, to take on this role at such an important time for the countryside.

“There should be no difference between the way a government treats people in town or country. Rural issues, just like urban issues, are about basic rights.”

She said rural people should have the right to things like health care, affordable housing and also the right to engage in country sports without prejudiced legislative assault.

“A true democracy respects the rights of all minorities, and I look forward to contributing to the alliance’s campaign to ensure that the rural minority is treated with tolerance, fairness and respect.”