What was your highlight of 2025?
My highlight of 2025 has been returning to Defra as permanent secretary. After my time away from the civil service, coming back feels like returning home. I’ve been struck by the warmth of the welcome I've received, and the great work of colleagues across the Defra Group. In my first couple of months, I've had the privilege of meeting teams working on everything from flood defences to biosecurity to nature restoration, and I’m really looking forward to being part of the Defra team as we work to deliver on our key priorities.
What are the main challenges facing your department in the coming year?
We have four clear priorities that will shape our work during 2026: a major set of reforms of the water system, resetting our relationship with the EU, supporting the development of new homes and infrastructure in a way that is positive for nature, and ensuring a successful and profitable farming and food sector. All four priorities go to the heart of Defra’s role in supporting the economy and strengthening national security, built on world-leading science.
What was the hardest part of being a leader in 2025?
Well, I’m only about eight weeks into the job so the hardest parts are definitely ahead of me!
Which celebrity or historical figure would you choose to turn on the Christmas lights in your town – and why?
Joe Marler. He needs something fun to do following his cruel betrayal earlier this year in Celebrity Traitors.
Read all the entries to this year's perm secs round up here