Gardiner told Utility Week on Wednesday afternoon that he will be taking over the role from Angela Smith, who is understood to be moving on to become farming minister. In addition, Gardiner confirmed that he will stand for the position of head of the Labour-held Environmental Audit Committee.
Gardiner has played a central role in Labour’s plans for the natural environment in recent years.
In the last Labour government Gardiner held the position of minister for biodiversity within Defra. More recently, in opposition he was Ed Milliband’s special envoy for the environment and climate change from 2011 to 2013 before he was appointed shadow minister for the natural environment and fisheries, a position he still holds in addition to the water brief.
In addition Gardiner sat on the energy and climate change select committee in the previous term.
Gardiner’s contribution to the environment was recognised in 2013 when he was awarded the Environmental Parliamentarian of the Year Award.