Environment secretary Steve Reed has revealed Defra’s most senior civil servant is quitting the department in the summer, in a move that has surprised industry insiders.
Tamara Finkelstein, permanent secretary at the department, led it through the huge political and regulatory upheaval of Brexit and then the pandemic, when it threatened to lead to empty shelves due to the impact on the supply chain.
Finkelstein was given one of the UK’s top honours in the 2025 New Year Honours, being made a Dame Commander of the Order of the Bath in recognition for her contribution to public service. She has been a respected figure amid the ministerial merry-go round at Defra.
Last year she was among contenders tipped for the position of cabinet secretary.
Sources said they were surprised at the timing of her departure, with the government having only just launched its new Food Strategy, which is being spearheaded by Defra and with its EPR reforms due to come into force in October.
Defra has so far not published an official statement confirming her decision to leave.
However, environment secretary Steve Reed paid tribute to her in a post on X.
He said: “She has done a fantastic job of leading the department over the last six years.
“I want to offer my personal thanks for the way she has personally supported me and the whole ministerial team since our arrival last summer.
“Her expertise, knowledge and experience have been invaluable in driving forward progress across our priority areas.
“I wish Tamara all the very best for the future.”
Prior to joining Defra, Finkelstein worked in a number of other government departments on policy and delivery in health and children’s services, including as deputy head of Sure Start, and director general for community care at the Department of Health & Social Care, with responsibility for social care and community services.
She has also served on the boards of the NS&I, the Debt Management Office and the UK Border Agency.
No comments yet