The Press Association reports that Owen Paterson is heading for the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. He has been replaced as Northern Ireland Secretary by Theresa Villiers.

Owen Paterson is Conservative MP for North Shropshire.

As Agriculture spokesman he became an expert on bovine TB and campaigned for the dairy industry. He travelled all over the North Atlantic to produce a landmark Green Paper on Fisheries. As Shadow Minister for Roads, he researched best practice and the latest ideas from Europe and North America.

In July he met with over 100 dairy farmers in his constituency to discuss the milk crisis. He commented that, "In North Shropshire, we are part of the largest milk field in Europe and dairy farming is a vital part of the local economy, so many of my constituents are hugely affected by this latest crisis. I have worked closely with local farmers for many years and will continue to work with them and their representatives to achieve a fair deal in the long term."

In July 2007 he was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and he tried to visit Northern Ireland every week, spending days with MPs and MLAs from every party. He has visited schools, businesses and community projects; and he has immersed himself in Irish history and the local economy.

Tweet