RECENTLY re-elected MP Jim Paice, has been appointed Minister of State for Environment and Rural Affairs in the new Conservative-Lib Dem coalition Government, it was announced this week. Mr Paice, who has represented the South-East Cambridgeshire constitu

RECENTLY re-elected MP Jim Paice, has been appointed Minister of State for Environment and Rural Affairs in the new Conservative-Lib Dem coalition Government, it was announced this week.

Mr Paice, who has represented the South-East Cambridgeshire constituency for more than 20 years, was invited by new Prime Minster David Cameron to take up the ministerial post late last week and will be responsible for overseeing the future of farming, wildlife and rural development around the UK.

Mr Paice fended off stiff competition for his seat from Lib-Dem Jonathan Chatfield, at last week's election but secured a near 6000 vote majority to ensure re-election. The Fordham resident served as Shadow Minister for Environment and Rural Affairs while in opposition and was noted for his opposition to the hunting ban as well as his scepticism of the Wicken Fen Vision.

Speaking after accepting the position within the new coalition Government, Jim said, "I was honoured to be asked by David Cameron to take on this role which I have spent much time preparing for in Opposition. I came into politics with a desire to change things for the better, especially for rural communities, and I believe that this position within the new Government will offer me real opportunities to do that. Like all Government departments we will have tough decisions to make as regards spending, but I am excited by the challenges ahead and the potential to improve life for our farmers, and the millions of people who live in rural areas."

As Minister of State, Mr Paice will have to answer to Caroline Spelman who was appointed Secretary of State for Environment by David Cameron and sits in the cabinet. Speaking about the new coalition Government Jim said, "Obviously I fought this election seeking an outright Conservative win, but we must respect the verdict of the electorate. Our country needs strong, stable and decisive government and I believe that working together with the Liberal Democrats means that we can offer this. Although coalitions necessarily involve compromise, I sincerely hope that we will all put aside our political differences and put the national interest first.