THÉRÈSE Coffey's appointment as environment secretary has been cautiously welcomed by leading industry figures.
The former deputy prime minister became the UK's ninth holder of the Defra role in a little over 12 years when she replaced Ranil Jayawardena.
Having served as a junior minister in the department under both Theresa May and Boris Johnson – when her remit included forestry – it's hoped she will bring some "much-needed" focus at a time of mounting pressure.
As well as growing anger from environment groups over apparent plans to halt the Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS) – although such proposals were always denied by ministers – her appointment comes amid the UK's repeated failures to hit its tree-planting targets.
But, Stuart Goodall, chief executive of Confor, believes Ms Coffey's past Defra experience could come in handy. However, the Suffolk Coastal MP was widely criticised for backing controversial plans to sell off England's public forests in 2011.
Stuart, who has been critical of the current political instability, said: "We are pleased to see that a new Environment Secretary has been appointed so quickly by the Prime Minister.
"Thérèse Coffey was previously the minister for forestry and Confor have met with her on a number of occasions in the past, including to champion the Doddington North planting scheme in Northumberland.
"We found the Minister to be supportive and are optimistic that she is well aware of the issues and priorities in the sector."
The departure of Mr Jayawardena - who became the shortest-serving environment secretary of all time - came as no surprise, but the future of the current forestry minister remains in doubt.
Trudy Harrison has herself been in the post for less than three weeks, but gave her support to Boris Johnson in his bid to return to Downing Street.
Of her own appointment, Ms Coffey said: “I am delighted to return to Defra, this time as Secretary of State.
“As the Prime Minister set out, protecting our environment is at heart of our manifesto. I will work closely with rural communities, farmers, industry and the champions of our environment to strengthen our natural environment and support our thriving food and farming sector.
“I look forward to resuming our work to protect nature and deliver a stronger rural economy.”
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