Emma Reynolds replaces Steve Reed as Defra secretary

Emma Reynolds has been appointed Defra secretary, succeeding Steve Reed after his move to lead the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government in the wake of Angela Rayner’s resignation.

Ms Rayner stepped down from her roles as deputy prime minister and housing secretary this morning (5 September) after an ethics inquiry concluded she breached the ministerial code by underpaying tens of thousands of pounds in stamp duty on her £800,000 Hove property.

Ten Downing Street confirmed to Farmers Weekly that Treasury minister Ms Reynolds, Labour MP for Wycombe, has succeeded Mr Reed as secretary of state for Defra.

See also: Steve Reed under fire for visiting just four farms since July

Ms Reynolds was elected as MP for Wycombe in July 2024. She served as parliamentary secretary at HM Treasury and the Department for Work and Pensions from July 2024 to January 2025.

She was economic secretary to the Treasury (City minister) from 14 January to 5 September. 

No farming background

Mr Reynolds has demonstrated a proactive approach to rural issues, though her background in agriculture is limited. In her role as MP for Wycombe, she has engaged with local farming communities, including a visit to various farms. 

Additionally, she participated in a comprehensive rural business tour organised by the Country Land and Business Association, which included visits to dairy farms, grain stores and diversification projects.

While these activities indicate a willingness to understand rural concerns, there is no public record of her having a personal or professional background in agriculture prior to her appointment.

A search of parliamentary records reveals no focused mentions of “farmer” or “farmers” in her spoken contributions, written questions, or Early Day Motions (EDMs) listed under her profile.

However, she did sign a farming-relevant EDM in 2010 related to sustainable livestock farming and food production.

The motion highlighted the environmental impact of global livestock and feed production, such as biodiversity loss and emissions, and praised UK farmers using sustainable, home-grown feed. It called for a Sustainable Livestock Bill.

NFU reaction

Responding to Ms Reynolds’s appointment, NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “I would like to congratulate Emma Reynolds MP on her appointment as Defra secretary of state.

“I look forward to working closely with her in the months ahead and hope she uses the role to champion farming, ensure its high production standards are valued, and invest in its future with policies that back British farming and deliver for food security.”

Paying tribute to Mr Reed, Mr Bradshaw said: “I would also like to thank Steve Reed MP for his time in post.

“Despite not always agreeing, we developed a strong working relationship and his door was always open to the NFU.

“He recognised the planning system needed significant change to enable investment in the farm infrastructure of the future.

“I am confident he will be able to support rural growth and farming communities in his new role at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.”

Rapid reshuffle

Prime minster Sir Keir Starmer wasted no time in selecting Ms Rayner’s replacements.

In a rapid reshuffle, Sir Keir has elevated David Lammy to deputy prime minister and justice secretary, moved Yvette Cooper to foreign secretary, and installed Shabana Mahmood at the Home Office.

Mr Reed will transition from his farming and environment brief at Defra to take on the housing role.

Angela, you can be so proud of all you’ve achieved for our country and party.

You knew from your own background what it’s like to struggle and you used that experience to fight for a better future for working families.

Thank you.

— Steve Reed (@SteveReedMP) September 5, 2025

Paying tribute to Ms Rayner on X, Mr Reed, who is Labour MP for Streatham & Croydon North, said: “Angela, you can be so proud of all you’ve achieved for our country and party.

“You knew from your own background what it’s like to struggle and you used that experience to fight for a better future for working families.

“Thank you.”

As Defra secretary, Mr Reed focused on innovation, flood resilience and food security.

He extended seasonal worker visas, announced plans to boost local food procurement and backed precision breeding.

Farming profitability review

Mr Reed also initiated a review of farming profitability, led by Baroness Batters. 

But he received criticism from farmers for consistently supporting the Treasury’s plans to impose farm inheritance tax, and for complex agri-environment scheme rollouts.

He also came under fire for his department’s sudden decision to temporarily close the Sustainable Farming Scheme on 11 March this year without prior warning.

Farmers had criticised Mr Reed for his infrequent farm visits – in late March, he was recorded as having visited just four farms since his July 2024 appointment.

However, speaking in the Commons during his final appearance as Defra secretary on 4 September, he stated that he had visited two farms in the past week and met with six farmers to hear their concerns first-hand.

Opposition view

Responding to the news of Mr Reed’s departure from Defra, shadow farming minister Robbie Moore MP, said on X: “Good riddance.

“It was clear from day one that Steve Reed – who represents one of the most urban areas in the country – was installed by the prime minister to jump-start Labour’s vindictive attack on our farmers and the countryside.

“He failed our farming community and completely shredded any sense of trust – something that will take years to repair.

“Many will be thinking that things can only get better for our farmers – but having had a taste of ‘Phase 2’ of this government already, my fear is things are going to get much worse.”