South West Norfolk MP Elizabeth Truss, who replaced Owen Paterson as Defra secretary this morning has said she looks forward to tackling "important issues" in her new post.

Truss, the former minister for children, said, "I am delighted to be appointed as Environment Secretary. I look forward to tackling the important issues facing our rural communities including championing British food, protecting people from flooding and improving the environment.

"I have greatly enjoyed my role at the Department for Education and would like to thank the excellent team there for all their hard work. I look forward to working with the team at Defra."

According to the new Defra secretary's website, she is keen to see that, as the largest manufacturing sector in the country, the importance of the food and farming sector is recognised and has argued that the £1:£8 cost-benefit ratio imposed on flood prevention spending does not value farmland highly enough.

Farming groups have said they will meet with the new secretary of state as soon as possible.