New forestry minister appointed

Mr Heath, whose official title is minister of state for agriculture and food, will oversee a wide range of forestry matters, including domestic forestry policy, the response to the Independent Panel on Forestry’s report, as well as the Forestry Commission.

His former Parliamentary front bench positions include acting as spokesperson for agriculture, fisheries and food and as a spokesperson for work and pensions.

Until his appointment as forestry minister he served as deputy leader of the house.