The Yorkshire Post says: Reap the rewards '“ rural leader's welcome change of emphasis

Rather than focusing on the negatives, the preserve of far too many defeatist politicians as they dissect the latest Brexit votes, she is endeavouring to focus on the positives and opportunities for farmers.

This is important if agriculture is to withstand the political and economic upheaval facing the country, not least continuing concerns over future trade policy and the actual ability of Defra – and the Rural Payments Agency – to put a new subsidy system in place.

Yet there is another reason to welcome Ms Hendry’s recent appointment and her first round of interviews. As a director of Defra for the past 12 years, she is, at the very least, familiar with the issues.

She will also know that the wider rural economy, both here in Yorkshire and further afield, has so much more to offer the country if and when politicians stop treating the countryside, and specifically the farming and food sectors, as an after-thought.

If Ms Hendry can change this culture, and she is well-qualified to do so, Britain will reap the rewards.