Candidate for Environment Agency chair announced

Philip Dilley has been appointed as the Government’s preferred candidate for replacing Lord Chris Smith in the capacity of Chair of the Environment Agency. The Agency deals with Government policy for the protection and development of the environment.

The Secretary of State, Owen Paterson made the announcement.

The selection was made after an open competition, which was overseen by an independent assessor from the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

The Secretary of State has requested the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee holds a pre-appointment hearing to review the appointment and the suitability for the role. The hearing will be in public from which a published report will be made.

Ministers will then consider the Committee’s views before making the final appointment.