Dame Edna’s elusive origins

On 25 October last year, Thérèse Coffey became Defra Secretary. On 2 November, Sir James Dyson wrote to her. The famed inventor, who is the biggest owner and active farmer of agricultural land in Britain, outlined the problems of producing food sustainably and profitably, inviting her to visit one of his farms and meet him. No reply. A week later, Sir James’s office contacted Ms Coffey’s office and were assured her reply would be sought. None came. On 8 February this year, his office tried again. Two days later, her special adviser told the Dyson team that the original letter had been lost. Sir James re-sent it. On 24 February, having received no reply, his office checked once more. Ministers would review the draft reply next week, they were told. On 9 March, having still received nothing, his office contacted Defra and asked if they were being snubbed. Next day, they were told the draft reply was now in ministerial hands.