Sir John Harman, Chair of the Environment Agency
London, England: Sir John Harman has agreed to remain as Chair of the Environment Agency, England and Wales, until 30 June 2008, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn announced today.
Sir John had been due to stand down at the end of his current term on 31 December 2007.
The extension of his tenure was influenced by the
Environment Agency's ongoing role in dealing with the summer floods and also the decision will enable the selection of the best possible candidate to replace Sir John on his departure.
Welcoming Sir John's agreement to remain in post for another six months, Mr Benn said:
"The Environment Agency is playing a major part in the independent lessons learned review of this summer's flooding, and is also still heavily involved in dealing with the after effects of the floods. It's important to maintain stability during this period, and I know that Sir John Harman will provide this. I am most grateful to him for agreeing to stay on."