Dame Angela Eagle DBE has been appointed Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s first Cabinet.
Dame Angela Eagle was appointed to the position on 20th July 2026. She previously held the position of Minister of State at both the Home Office as the Security Minister and the Cabinet Office from 12th June 2026 to 20th July 2026.
Eagle was Minister of State in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) from 6th September 2025 to 12th June 2026, and Minister of State at the Home Office from 8th July 2024 to 6th September 2025.
Her responsibilities will include overseeing Defra, as well as budgets, international relations, senior appointments and economic growth.
A spokesperson for the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) commented on the appointment: “We’re pleased to see Angela Eagle return to Defra.
“Having worked with her during her previous time at the department, she already has a good understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the meat processing sector. That existing knowledge gives us a solid foundation for continuing the constructive engagement we’ve already established on the key issues affecting the industry.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham took up office at No. 10 Downing Street after Keir Starmer resigned from his role as PM.
PM Andy Burnham is the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, having been elected in May 2017, then re-elected in 2021 and 2024.
He returned to Parliament as Member of Parliament for Makerfield in June 2026 and was elected Leader of the Labour Party on 16th July 2026, before becoming Prime Minister on 20th July.
