Kerry McCarthy MP, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, commenting in response to reports that the Environment Agency Chair has resigned, said:

“Chair of the Environment Agency is an extremely well-paid position, and it doesn’t seem too much to expect this to be his priority at a time when the country is dealing with the aftermath of major floods. Given that he considers this ‘inappropriate’, it is right that he should go.

“This Government has been shockingly complacent over the flood risk we face, cutting flood defence spending, ignoring expert warnings, and slashing frontline Environment Agency staff by over 20 per cent. There are now 800 fewer people in jobs at the Environment Agency than in 2010.

"The Government need to move swiftly to appoint a new Chair to the Environment Agency at this crucial time.”