LORD Edward Iveagh, owner of the Elveden estate near Thetford, has been appointed to the board of the East of England Development Agency.He will represent the business/rural sector on the board, and was due to take up the appointment, which runs for three years, on March 19.

LORD Edward Iveagh, owner of the Elveden estate near Thetford, has been appointed to the board of the East of England Development Agency.

He will represent the business/rural sector on the board, and was due to take up the appointment, which runs for three years, on March 19.

Announcing the appointment, Margaret Hodge, Minister of State for Industry and the Regions, said: “The East of England Development Agency will be able to use the knowledge and expertise that this appointment brings to help the region reach its full economic potential, boost productivity and create jobs and prosperity.”

Richard Ellis, chair of EEDA, said he was “very pleased” to welcome Lord Iveagh on board.

“He brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong track record in both business and rural issues and will make a valuable contribution to EEDA's work,” he said.

Lord Iveagh holds no other public appointments. The post attracts remuneration of £8,316 for a commitment of two days a month.

The Department of Trade and Industry said the appointment was made following open competition, and all appointments were made on merit with political activity playing no part in the selection process. However, appointees' political activity must be made public.

Lord Iveagh had spoken on behalf on an independent candidate in the European elections in May 2005, and canvassed on behalf of a Conservative candidate in the 2005 general election.