Steve Barclay - what do we really know about Defra's new Secretary of State?

Steve Barclay has been appointed as the new Secretary of State at the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Widely viewed in political circles as a demotion, Mr Barclay has yet to fully share his thoughts on the move, briefly telling reporters he 'was very much looking forward to it'.

In the meantime, here is everything you need to know about the man who will continue to lead Government policy on food and farming.

Mr Barclay's appointment marks the arrival of the eighth Secretary of State in seven years and follows the resignation of Therese Coffey.

Steve Barclay comes to Defra after being serving as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on 25 October 2022. He had also previously briefly held that role between 5 July 2022 and 6 September 2022.

Latest reaction: Farmers question 'demotion' of new Defra Secretary

Born in Lancashire in 1972, he was educated at King Edward VII School in Lytham. Mr Barclay attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and served in the British Army before reading history at Peterhouse, Cambridge.

The former solicitor was elected Conservative MP for North East Cambridgeshire in May 2010 and his other Government roles have included: Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office between 15 September 2021 and July 2022; Chief Secretary to the Treasury; Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union from 16 November 2018 to 31 January 2020 and Minister of State for the Department of Health and Social Care from January to November 2018.

As so-called Brexit Secretary, the married, father-of-two campaigned to win over farmers stating on his Facebook page in 2019: "The farming industry is a great part of our community here in Fenland and East Cambs. Conservatives are committed to ensuring farmers make the most of the opportunities of Brexit."

Speaking in Parliament the same year, Mr Barclay praised the aims of the Agriculture Bill, answering a question on continued Government support for livestock farmers from Conservative MP Chris Davies (Brecon and Radnorshire).

See also: Cabinet Reshuffle - Steve Barclay named as Defra Secretary

He told MPs: "I represent one of the key farming constituencies in the country, in the fens. He will also be aware that the majority of farmers voted to leave because they see the opportunities - for example, in respect of things like the three-crop rule, which is restrictive for many in the farming community.

"Through the Agriculture Bill, we can have a much more bespoke approach. The key issue is to speak to those who actually farm. The overriding message from the National Farmers Union is to back the deal, and farmers themselves want the liberty of being outside the straitjacket of the EU. That is what this Government will deliver."