The need for change at the top of DECC’s ministerial team was put beyond doubt after the surprise election of a majority Tory government, and incumbent energy secretary Ed Davey’s failure to retain his Kingston & Surbiton parliamentary seat.
Her appointment has been praised for bringing continuity to the role following her prior role as climate change minister, and as reassurance to a renewables sector doubtful of the Conservative’s commitment to low carbon energy.
The MP for Hastings & Rye is known as a vocal supporter within Tory ranks of the urgent need to curb carbon emissions and increase green investment.
In other ministerial appointments, Andrea Leadsom replaces Matt Hancock as climate change minister whilst Liz Truss continues in her role as environment secretary.
RenewableUK chief executive, Maria McCaffery, said: “We welcome the positive commitments which Rudd has made on reducing carbon emissions, tackling climate change and protecting the environment. We are looking forward to working with her and showing how all the technologies we represent can help achieve these aims, as well as providing energy security and financial growth for the UK.”
CEO of the Solar Trade Association, said: “We look forward to working with Amber Rudd to make sure solar reaches its full potential. We need stable policy support and strong leadership on solar – just one final push could get rooftop solar to zero subsidy by the time this government leaves office.”
John Sauven, executive director of Greenpeace UK, said: “Amber Rudd’s appointment is a hopeful sign that the government remains committed to implementing the Climate Change Act and achieving a strong international climate deal in Paris later this year. Ms Rudd was a key player in securing vital reforms to the EU Common Fisheries Policy. We look forward to her bringing the same drive and ambition to securing the clean and efficient energy future Britain needs.”