Meacher leaves Government

MICHAEL Meacher is leaving his job as a junior minister in the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs as part of the prime minister's reshuffle.

Mr Meacher has held the environment portfolio since Labour was elected to government in 1997.

The MP for Oldham West and Royton was instrumental in getting the Countryside and Rights of Way Act pushed through which will give walkers the right-to-roam.

But in recent months he has caused the government some embarrassment by admitting he had concerns about the introduction of genetically modified crops.