East Anglia's representation at the top table of government has been bolstered after South West Norfolk MP Elizabeth Truss kept her job as Environment Secretary.

Ms Truss said there was 'a lot to do' on returning to Defra following the prime minister's post-election cabinet reshuffle, with her 25-year plan for British food and farming and making progress on improving the environment top of the agenda.

'It is fantastic to meet all the people at Defra again and get on with the job,' she said. 'The atmosphere is tremendous, meeting all the new MPs. There is a real buzz.'

Farming representatives in East Anglia welcomed the continuity which Ms Truss's re-appointment would bring.

John Newton Norfolk county adviser for the National Farmers' Union (NFU) said: 'We would like to congratulate Liz Truss on her reappointment as Defra secretary of state.

'We've worked closely with her, both in her role as constituency MP and at Defra prior to the election, and we look forward to continuing that in the new parliament.

'There are some major issues to tackle, including abstraction reform, reversing the long-term in UK self-sufficiency and addressing the need for science-based decision making in areas such as crop protection products.

'But the most pressing priority has to be sorting out the problems still affecting the Basic Payment Scheme. We've kept in regular touch with Liz Truss on this issue during the election campaign and members will welcome the fact that we have continuity at Defra with just a few weeks to go until the final application deadline of 15 June.'