Tamara Finkelstein appointed new Permanent Secretary at Defra

“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.