Farming Minister George Eustice promoted to top job at Defra after Villiers sacked

Some farmers on social media welcomed the news that he was in the running for the job earlier today, describing him as ‘competent’ and saying his experience is required at the top of Defra at this time.

I don’t always agree with what George has to say but there is no doubt that at a time of monumental change in the industry that his level of knowledge and experience is required for the top job at @DefraGovUK t.co/OCNS8xSsEG

— James Wright (@JPBWFarm)

I don't always agree with what George has to say but there is no doubt that at a time of monumental change in the industry that his level of knowledge and experience is required for the top job at @DefraGovUK https://t.co/OCNS8xSsEG

— James Wright (@JPBWFarm) February 13, 2020

Eustice who’s only failure in my eyes was his passion to pursue Brexit, but competent in all other respects. Why was he ever overlooked for Theresa Villiers? #ChaoticJudgement

— Daye Tucker #FBSI#People’sVote (@RuralLeader)

Eustice who's only failure in my eyes was his passion to pursue Brexit, but competent in all other respects. Why was he ever overlooked for Theresa Villiers? #ChaoticJudgement

— Daye Tucker #FBSI#People'sVote (@RuralLeader) February 13, 2020

Others, however, were less supportive of the move.

I think they are all being picked based on loyalty to ’the project’. I have no faith in Eustice being any more ’on our side’ than Villiers to be honest. However as he was the poster boy for Brexit and Ag I like the idea of him now being accountable for his promises.

— Stephen Parkinson (@OnceAFarmer)

I think they are all being picked based on loyalty to 'the project'. I have no faith in Eustice being any more 'on our side' than Villiers to be honest. However as he was the poster boy for Brexit and Ag I like the idea of him now being accountable for his promises.

— Stephen Parkinson (@OnceAFarmer) February 13, 2020

I suspect his appointment would be as an enforcer to drive the change they want.... understanding and empathy are not the same thing......

— Hawcroft Lleyn (@PVickerton)

I suspect his appointment would be as an enforcer to drive the change they want.... understanding and empathy are not the same thing......

— Hawcroft Lleyn (@PVickerton) February 13, 2020

Theresa Villiers’ sacking, after just seven months in the job, appeared to be given more widespread approval.

Many farmers had in recent weeks been critical of her invisibility since her appointment.

Her performance at the Oxford Farming Conference in January, where she refused to open up the political session as convention dictates, was also seen to be weak.

In a statement on Facebook, Ms Villiers said she had been told by the Prime Minister to ‘make way for someone new’.

Wellies for sale:

One lady owner, barely used.
Tread lightly and leave without trace.

Small boots to fill, should suit someone interested in the countryside.

Ring 0800-govmnt and ask for Theresa. #reshuffle

— martin williams (@loosecollie)

Wellies for sale:

One lady owner, barely used.
Tread lightly and leave without trace.

Small boots to fill, should suit someone interested in the countryside.

Ring 0800-govmnt and ask for Theresa. #reshuffle

— martin williams (@loosecollie) February 13, 2020

Theresa who ? 👋

— Jon Stanley (@JonStanley10)

Theresa who ? \uD83D\uDC4B

— Jon Stanley (@JonStanley10) February 13, 2020

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