The Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture has welcomed the political members joining his Department after today’s reshuffle.

Richard Ronan MHK said: ‘I would like to thank the two departing Members, Zac Hall MHK and Chris Thomas MHK, for their time and hard work in the Department.

‘I felt that a change of focus was needed, certainly in further strengthening our relationship with the Department of Economic Development. I am delighted to be welcoming in Mr Cretney, who has many years’ experience, especially in the visitor economy, which is an area where I believe my Department has a major role to play.

‘Similarly, Mr Peake, following his election, brings a new perspective to government with his strong commercial background and I look forward to working closely with both Members.’

Mr Cretney will assume Mr Hall’s responsibilities, taking charge of the Forestry, Amenity and Lands directorate and the Curraghs Wildlife Park.

Mr Peake will take responsibility for environmental matters, including offshore energy initiatives and the drawing up of an emissions reduction strategy.

Mr Hall said: ‘I have enjoyed having had the opportunity to serve in the department as a political Member and I am disappointed to be leaving. However, it has become evident that I have irreconcilable differences in political opinion in some policy areas of the DEFA division where I had been asked to move to assume responsibility. I have therefore concluded it is appropriate for me to step down from the Department.’

Mr Thomas, who was responsible for the Environment, Safety and Health directorate, said: ‘Although provision can be streamlined, building control, environmental protection, food safety etc. are necessary public services and the professionals involved provide an important front line service. I have done everything I could during my time in DEFA to acknowledge these facts and will continue to do so in my continuing parliamentary and government roles.’