Nick becomes new Chairman of The Countryside Alliance

Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Countryside Alliance.

The vacancy arose after the departure of Simon Hart MP, who has now taken up the role of Minister for Implementation at the Cabinet Office.   

Prior to being elected to Parliament in 2005, Nick was the director of public affairs at the British Field Sports Society, from which he helped to form the Countryside Movement which later became the Countryside Alliance. 

Commenting on the appointment, which was confirmed by the Countryside Alliance's board of trustees, Chief Executive Tim Bonner said: “We are incredibly pleased that Nick has agreed to take up the role of Chairman.  He has a wealth of experience in campaigning and politics which will be a huge help to the Alliance as we continue to go from strength to strength.” 

Mid Sussex MP Sir Nicholas Soames tweeted his support: “Absolutely thrilled that Nick Herbert is to be the new Chairman of the Countryside Alliance, an inspired appointment of someone with profound knowledge and understanding of the many complex and important issues. #brilliantadvocatehewilldoitverywell.”

As Chairman, Mr Herbert will oversee and manage the Board which advises the Chief Executive in setting the Alliance’s objectives and goals throughout the year.

Mr Herbert said “The Countryside Alliance is one of the UK’s biggest campaigning groups, and its mission to stand up for the countryside and the rural way of life has never been more important.  I am passionate about these issues, and I’m honoured to be taking up this role at such a critical time for the countryside.  Having been involved in creating the movement some years ago it feels like I’m coming home.”

In an interview in Saturday’s Daily Telegraph (12 October), Mr Herbert said that politicians should "stand up" for the "rural way of life" and country sports, which were  facing their biggest threat for 20 years.

He warned of "an extreme animal rights agenda" which was taking hold in the Labour Party, which was now explicitly attacking shooting for the first time.

ENDS 

Notes  

1.    The Countryside Alliance campaigns for the rural way of life.  With over 100,000 members and supporters it is the voice of the countryside.  To learn more about the Countryside Alliance see www.countryside-alliance.org.

2. To read Nick Herbert’s interview in the Daily Telegraph see https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/10/11/rural-way-life-threat-new-countryside-alliance-chairman-says/?WT.mc_id=tmg_share_tw.