Emma Hardy MP has been confirmed as the new Minister for the Circular Economy and Waste Crime.
Hardy, the MP for Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice, was elected to Parliament in 2017 and served as the Minister for Water and Flooding in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) between 2024 and 2026.
She remained as a Defra Minister throughout both Steve Reed’s and Emma Reynolds’ time as Environment Secretary.
Earlier this month, Dame Angela Eagle replaced Reynolds in the role as part of Andy Burnham’s first Cabinet as Prime Minister.
Previously, the responsibility for waste and the circular economy sat with the Minister for Nature, a position formerly held by Mary Creagh, who announced she was being replaced last week.
The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management’s (CIWM) Senior Director for Policy, Media and Education, Katie Cockburn, thanked Mary Creagh for her work as Minister.
“She has played an important role in pushing the transition to a more circular economy, including progress on key reforms across resources and waste. We wish her every success in her next role,” Cockburn continued.
“We look forward to working with the incoming Minister to help deliver the government’s circular economy ambitions, supporting the development of the policies, infrastructure and skills needed to accelerate the UK’s transition to a more resource-efficient future.”
“The first step towards achieving these goals must be for the government to release the long-delayed Circular Economy Growth Plan, which will provide much-needed clarity on policy for business, local authorities, and the wider sector.”
The UK government has said it intends to publish its delayed Circular Economy Growth Plan ‘soon’, but has not given a firm publication date.
The Plan was originally expected to be published in October last year but has been delayed.
Defra announces new Director of Circular Economy
Defra also announced that Becky Shrubsole commenced her role as Director of Circular Economy this month.
Shrubsole has worked across government and previously held senior roles in Defra and, before that, the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG).
Defra said her cross-government background, which covers both environmental policy and communities and local government, makes her ‘exceptionally well placed’ to drive forward the circular economy agenda.
“We very much look forward to the leadership and fresh perspectives she will bring to this important area of work, and we hope you will join us in welcoming her to the role,” Defra said in a statement.