Defra has been due to launch a consultation on the UK ivory trade. Gove told BBC’s Radio 5 Live that he could reconsider introducing a pledge for a total ivory ban, missing from the 2017 Conservative Party manifesto.
Despite concerns regarding the reshuffle, confirmation that junior environment minister Thérèse Coffey remains in her post was viewed positively. It allows for continued dialogue on issues surrounding ivory to continue, trade bodies believe.
Leadership of other departments important to the art and antiques trade were left unchanged with Karen Bradley remaining secretary of state for Culture, Media and Sport.
Meanwhile John Glen, MP for Salisbury, was appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Arts, Heritage and Tourism.
There was disappointment for a champion of the antiques trade when BADA president Victoria Borwick lost her seat in Kensington by 20 votes.
BAMF chairman Anthony Browne said: “Victoria has been a stalwart supporter of the art and antiques sector on a wide range of issues. There are so few parliamentarians with a knowledge of our market and she has demonstrated great dedication to championing it.”
