Portsmouth MP Stephen Morgan gets DEFRA role in reshuffle sparked by defence row
The Portsmouth South MP has accepted his ministerial rile after defence resignations
Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, has been appointed a DEFRA minister following a government reshuffle triggered by a defence spending row.
The Labour MP announced the appointment over the weekend, saying he was delighted to be appointed Minister of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs.
“Being asked by the Prime Minister to serve our country in this role is an immense privilege,” he said.
“Alongside the Environment Secretary and team, my focus will be clear: driving a green economy, protecting our natural environment and ensuring our rural and coastal communities truly thrive.
“I look forward to working with others backing our world-leading food, farming, and fishing industries.”
The role covers food security, trade, science and innovation, and includes lead responsibility for the Marine Management Organisation, the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science and the Sea Fish Industry Authority.
It marks a move from his position as Junior Lord of the Treasury and government whip, which he had held since September 2025.
The reshuffle followed the resignation of defence secretary John Healey on 11 June, who said Keir Starmer had been “unable” and the Treasury “unwilling” to “commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country at this time of rising threats.”
Armed forces minister Al Carns also quit after seeing the government’s draft defence investment plan, which he described as “neither transformative enough nor sufficiently funded.”
The UK currently spends around £60bn a year on defence. Starmer has promised to raise that to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027, adding roughly £13bn a year, but critics argue there is a £28bn black hole in the plan and reports suggest the Treasury is only willing to commit an extra £10bn.
Former paratrooper Dan Jarvis was appointed defence secretary on 12 June, with his previous joint Home Office and Cabinet Office role passed to former DEFRA minister Eagle, creating the vacancy Morgan has now filled.