The Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP
Steve Reed OBE was appointed Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 5 July 2024. He was elected as the MP for Streatham and Croydon North in July 2024.
The Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP is a distinguished British politician known for his extensive contributions within the Labour Party and his focus on social justice, housing, and local government issues. Born on November 12, 1963, in St Albans, Hertfordshire, Reed attended Watford Grammar School for Boys before studying English at Sheffield University. His educational background and early experiences instilled in him a strong sense of public service and social equity, which have been central to his political career.
Before entering Parliament, Steve Reed made significant strides in local government. He served as a councillor in the London Borough of Lambeth, eventually becoming the leader of Lambeth Council in 2006. During his tenure, he led transformative changes that improved the council’s performance and earned it recognition as one of the most improved councils in the country. His leadership in Lambeth highlighted his ability to drive substantial improvements in public services and local governance, setting the stage for his future parliamentary career.
Reed was elected as the Labour MP for Croydon North in a by-election in 2012, succeeding Malcolm Wicks. His parliamentary career has been marked by a strong commitment to his constituents and a focus on critical issues such as housing and local government reform. He has served in several key roles, including as Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. In this role, Reed has advocated for policies aimed at increasing affordable housing, improving social housing quality, and enhancing local government services. His work has also involved critiquing government austerity measures and promoting community engagement and sustainable development. Reed’s contributions reflect his dedication to addressing the needs of vulnerable communities and ensuring that local governments are effective and responsive.
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
The Secretary of State has overall responsibility for the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. He has specific responsibilities for:
- budget, including Official Development Assistance (ODA)
- international relations
- senior appointments
- economic growth
What we do
We are responsible for improving and protecting the environment. We aim to grow a green economy and sustain thriving rural communities. We also support our world-leading food, farming and fishing industries. Defra is a ministerial department, supported by 34 agencies and public bodies.
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