p EOPLE in road transport live in a constantly changing world.
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CM is no exception, next week the journal — the market leader — will have a new editor, the seventh in 80 years.
A more significant change on the transport scene is rumoured at the moment. There is a suggestion in some quarters that the industry could have a new Secretary of State before Parliament reassembles.
This would surely be a mistake. Nicholas Ridley may not have the most dynamic personality, but he is a slogger and is always ready to listen and learn. If he were to be replaced the new person would be the 21st incumbent of the post since 1946.
A more likely change at Marsham Street would be the elevation of the capable and ambitious Lynda Chalker. Such a move would deprive the Department of Transport of a tenacious politician, but her ability in transport debate should not deprive her of promotion. There will be no shortage capable replacements.
It is seemingly a talent of all politici to be able to switch from Ministry to Ministry and become experts overnigl The same applies in Opposition. Apar from Neil Kinnock, who would have thought that Gwyneth Dunwoody we be such a knowledgeable shadow following hard on the heels of the shc term John Prescott. Perhaps only Mrs Dunwoody.
We believe Mrs Thatcher has alread told Mr Ridley, who is reported to be sensitive about press speculation over future, that he will not be moved.
Let us hope so, the Department of Transport deserves continuity; indeed needs it.