Tamara Finkelstein, a member of New North London Synagogue, has been appointed as the new Permanent Secretary at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

She is currently serving as the interim Permanent Secretary at Defra and was previously the department’s Director General for EU Exit.

Environment Secretary, and Tory leadership contender, Michael Gove said: “I am delighted Tamara has been chosen as Defra’s new Permanent Secretary.

"She is an outstanding public servant I have very much enjoyed working with.

“I know she will provide superb leadership to a great department and I am very much looking forward to working with her on our exciting agenda.

The Cabinet Secretary, Sir Mark Sedwill said: “This appointment reflects not only the significant contribution she has made to the Department to date, but also the knowledge and experience she brings with her from an array of other important roles in government.”

Ms Finkelstein said she was “thrilled” to tackle “the challenges and opportunities ahead to improve our environment and support our biodiversity with thriving rural communities and food, farming and fisheries sectors.”

She is the sister of JC columnist Daniel Finkelstein.