BURNHAM-on-Sea MP James Heappey has been elected as the new chairman of Parliament’s leading group supporting sustainable energy and clean technology.

The Parliamentary Renewable and Sustainable Energy Group (PRASEG) is a cross-party group for MPs, businesses, think thanks and NGOs who are keen to promote and discuss sustainable energy issues in Parliament.

With more than 130 parliamentary members and 100 industry members, Mr Heappey has taken over as chair following his extensive work on clean energy in Westminster where he is now regarded as one of the leading contributors to future energy policy.

Mr Heappey will take over from Matthew Pennycook, the Labour MP for Greenwich and Woolwich.

Speaking after his appointment, Mr Heappey, said: “I want to thank Matthew Pennycook MP for his outstanding leadership of PRASEG.

"I very much look forward to working with our industry partners, my parliamentary colleagues and PRASEG’s team to build on his work and take forward this exciting agenda.

“Chairing PRASEG is a great opportunity to highlight the great work of so many clean energy companies and groups here in Somerset and to help shape policy in a way that I know many of my constituents care deeply about.

“It is an exciting opportunity that sits really well alongside the work I do for the communities of mid-Somerset.”