The Rt. Hon. Nick Herbert M.P. joins Countryside Alliance as Chairman

The Countryside Alliance has appointed a new Chairman, The Rt. Hon. Nick Herbert CBE MP.

The vacancy came after the departure of Simon Hart MP, who took up the role of Minister of Implementation in HM's Government.

Nick Herbert is a former Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice as well as Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. He currently serves as the Member of Parliament for the rural constituency of Arundel and South Downs in West Sussex.

Prior to being elected to Parliament in 2005, Nick ran the Reform think tank, set up the national 'no' campaign against joining the euro, and was 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 this month 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.

The Chairman of the Countryside Alliance oversees and manages the board, which in turn advises the Chief Executive in setting the Alliance's objectives and goals throughout the year.

Nick 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."