The Camborne and Redruth MP is joining the new Conservative Parliamentary Advisory Board (CPAB) and will help shape Tory policies, rather than those of the coalition government.
A spokesman from Eustice’s office confirmed he had taken up the position.
Eustice is not seen as a climate change sceptic – he is a supporter of marine energy – but he has also opposed onshore wind turbines in his constituency and has made calls for stronger planning guidance to tackle the “blight” of onshore windfarms.
Rumours circulated last week that climate change sceptic Peter Lilley was going to be advising David Cameron on energy issues, but the MP was appointed the foreign affairs brief on the CPAB.
Eustice joins Jo Johnson – the younger brother of London mayor Boris – on the board, and has said it will provide greater political direction to the Number 10 policy unit and that it would be working on the Conservative Party manifesto for the next General Election.
However, the CPAB is seen by some commentators as a vehicle to diffuse any potential backbench rebellions, with its influence on both government policy and the Conservative manifesto still unknown.