Dame Angela Eagle has made a return to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) where she is set to lead as its new Secretary of State.

Eagle will replace former Defra Secretary of State Emma Reynolds, who is also taking up a new role as the next chief secretary to the Treasury.

These appointments were made following a cabinet reshuffle by new Prime Minister Andy Burnham during his first day in No. 10 Downing St. yesterday (Monday, July 20).

The cabinet reshuffle sees Eagle return to Defra, where she has previously served as farming minster from September 6, 2025 to June 12, 2026.

On June 12, Eagle took up the position of Minister for Security following a different cabinet reshuffle, which was triggered by the resignation of former Secretary of State for Defence and new Chancellor, John Healy.

Her short stint as Minister for Security lasted the course of five weeks.

Defra

This announcement marks the third appointment of a Defra Secretary of State since Labour came into power, with Steve Reed being the first to take up the mantle back in July 5, 2024.

Reed held the role up until September 5, 2025, with Emma Reynolds succeeding him.

Eagle's promotion to Defra's new Secretary of State will see the Labour MP for Wallasey team up with current farming minister, Stephen Morgan, who was appointed on June 12, 2026.

NFU

Speaking on the appointment, the president of the National Farmers' Union (NFU) said: "I would like to congratulate Dame Angela Eagle on her appointment as Defra Secretary of State.

"I look forward to working with her again to build a resilient food system, drive growth across the farming sector and strengthen food security for 29 million households across the UK.

“I would also like to thank Emma Reynolds MP for her commitment and collaborative approach during her time in post."