Hucknall MP Mark Spencer to keep Defra ministerial role in Rishi Sunak's Government

Hucknall MP Mark Spencer has retained his role as Minister of State for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in Rishi Sunak's Government.

Mr Spencer, the constituency MP for Sherwood which includes the town of Hucknall, held high profile positions as Chief Whip and later Leader of the House of Commons during Boris Johnson's Premiership.

Having supported Mr Sunak in the leadership contest, it was no surprise when Mr Spencer found himself sacked from the cabinet by Liz Truss.

However, he was given a junior Defra role working under then Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Ranil Jayawardena.

Following Mr Sunak's appointment as Prime Minister on Tuesday (25 October), there were some people who thought Mr Spencer might be offered a cabinet position especially following the resignation of Mr Jayawardena.

This never materialised as that position went to former Health Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister Thérèse Coffey.

It was announced today that Mr Spencer would continue in his junior ministerial role within Defra.

He said: "I am delighted to have been asked to continue in my role as Minister for Farming, Food and Fisheries at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

"I am committed to championing British Farmers and to support our rural economy. I will do this along with continuing to serve my residents in Sherwood."

Mr Spencer has served as MP for Sherwood since 2010.