Lord Smith, probably better known as former Culture Secretary Chris Smith 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."