Heidi Alexander has been appointed as the new transport secretary after Louise Haigh’s resignation today.

The Swindon South MP had been a justice minister. She was Sadiq Khan's deputy transport mayor between 2018 and 2021.

Campaign for Better Transport chief executive Paul Tuohy said: ‘We welcome the appointment of Heidi Alexander as transport secretary.

‘With her wealth of experience as Deputy Mayor of London for transport, she will be well-placed to take forward the vital reforms that have already been set in motion to make transport work for all people and all places. We look forward to working with her to help improve transport across the country.’

Railway Industry Association chief executive Darren Caplan said: ‘We welcome Heidi Alexander to her role as the Government’s new transport secretary, and wish her well.

‘Ms Alexander has a number of key priorities in her in-tray such as delivering the Government’s major rail restructuring plans, and setting out a roadmap for rail investment and enhancement projects, as well as a strategy for rolling stock procurement and refurbishment to support business confidence. She also needs to manage plans to take HS2 to Euston including the redevelopment of the station.

‘The new Secretary of State’s experience in devolved Government will be an asset in working with Metro Mayors to increase north-south rail capacity in the future which can support the strong passenger and freight growth levels forecast in the decades ahead.’