Louise Haigh has been appointed transport secretary by the new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

She had served as shadow transport secretary since November 2021 while the Labour Party was in opposition.

She had previously served as shadow secretary of state for Northern Ireland, shadow minister at the Home Office) (Policing), shadow minister (Culture, Media and Sport) (Digital Economy) and shadow minister at the Cabinet Office.

Ms Haigh, 36, was elected Member of Parliament for Sheffield Heeley in the 2015 general election, and became the youngest Labour member of that parliament.

Although Labour is planning to nationalise the remaining former passenger franchises, private sector trade body Rail Partners says it wants to work with Ms Haigh.

Chief executive Andy Bagnall said: ‘Congratulations to Louise Haigh on her appointment as transport secretary.

‘The railway is facing severe challenges and train companies agree that urgent rail reform is needed. Getting this reform right is critical for the UK’s economic growth, sustainability and the public purse.

‘Rail Partners and its members hope to work with the new transport secretary and her wider ministerial team to ensure the railway is delivering for passengers and freight customers.’