Chris Smith becomes new Environment Agency chairman

Former MP Chris Smith has been appointed as the new chairman of the Environment Agency.

He willl receive £102,000 for the three-day-a-week job.

Smith, or Lord Smith of Finsbury, to give him his full title, takes over from Sir John Harman who stands down at the end of June following eight years in the post.

Environment minister Hilary Benn said:

"I am delighted that Chris Smith has agreed to become Chair of the Environment Agency. This is a crucial time for the Agency, with the Pitt Review of the Summer 2007 floods due to be published in July and the ever increasing focus on protecting the environment and tackling climate change.

The chairman and 14 board members of the Environment Agency are appointed by government ministers.