Patrick McLoughlin named new transport secretary in reshuffle
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By Laura Hailstone JUSTINE GREENING was removed from the top spot at the Department for Transport (DfT) in David Cameron’s Cabinet reshufle this week, after serving just 10 months as secretary of state for transport.
Replaced by Tory chief whip Patrick McLoughlin, Greening was given the post of international development secretary. The move came as no surprise following Greening’s opposition to a third runway at Heathrow.
McLoughlin, Conservative MP for Derbyshire Dales, has been parliamentary secretary to the Treasury and chief whip since May 2010. Prior to that, he was shadow chief whip for ive years, and has held numerous roles including a three-year stint within the DoT between 1989 and 1992, albeit with a shipping and aviation focus. His appointment marks the 15th transport secretary in 24 years.
James Hookham, MD of policy and communications at the Freight Transport Association, said: “There is a big agenda, not least to deliver promises of new road and rail infrastructure, rail industry reform and airport capacity. We look forward to a constructive relationship with McLoughlin.” However, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) was cautious. “We hope he will take time to get to know and engage with the road haulage industry and, unlike so many of his predecessors, that it’s not a short-term appointment,” said head of communication Kate Gibbs. “It would seem the transport secretary position is always viewed as a stepping stone, but that should not detract from the importance of the role – the road haulage industry is a vital part of the economy.” Gibbs added that his voting history showed he had voted in favour of raising VAT and “we hope he will support us in our ight against raising fuel duty”.
Theresa Villiers, technically Greening’s number two at the DfT, also has a new role as Northern Ireland Secretary, but roads minister Mike Penning remained in place. Danny Alexander continued as chief secretary to the Treasury, much to the delight of FairFuelUK, which has held talks with Alexander about fuel duty.