New Transport Secretary takes office

Louise Haigh MP has been appointed Secretary of State for Transport following Labour’s win in the General Election.

After serving as the Shadow Transport Minister, Louise replaces Mark Harper of the outgoing Conservative Party in the new role.

In April this year, Louise set out Labour’s plans to encourage even more local control of the UK bus network if their party wins the next general election. The party said that during its first term it would pass new legislation to support local transport authorities to take back control of their bus services.

Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director, said: “We would like to congratulate Louise Haigh MP on her appointment as Secretary of State for Transport in the new government.

“We look forward to continuing our good working relationship with her team in the months and years ahead to support our vital industry and to help deliver economic growth.”

Paul Tuohy, Chief Executive of transport charity Campaign for Better Transport, said: “We welcome the appointment of Louise Haigh as Transport Secretary and we look forward to working with her, and her new team of junior ministers, to help improve transport for communities up and down the country.”