It’s been a busy week in Westminster. The Government kicked things off last weekend with a series of policy announcements aimed at convincing the electorate ministers are capable of creating growth.
On Tuesday, the fi rst major Cabinet reshuffl e of the coalition government followed.
And the third transport secretary in as many years walked through the doors at Horseferry Road.
The new boss at the Department for Transport, Pat McLoughlin MP, will be no stranger to many issues facing him in this brief, having served as a junior transport minister during both the Thatcher and Major administrations.
Much has been made about the reasons behind Justine Greening’s demotion to the Department for International Development. But the disruption caused by a constant rotation of cabinet ministers also deserves such attention. Since the position as secretary of state for transport was recreated in 2002, eight MPs have been appointed to the role.
Here is a breakdown of how long they lasted:
- Alistair Darling – 1,436 days
- Philip Hammond – 520 days
- Ruth Kelly – 490 days
- Douglas Alexander – 387 days
- Lord Adonis – 340 days
- Justine Greening – 326 days
- Geoff Hoon – 245 days
It is now time such positions were held long enough for ministers to get to grips with the key issues and real change to be delivered. The current trend of chopping and changing ministers can often be disruptive.
There was a sigh of relief when it emerged that Lewes MP, Norman Baker, would keep his role as local transport minister. Let’s hope he can build on what has already been achieved by this Government and offer some consistency to the huge reforms under way to devolve major transport scheme funding, the bus service operator grants and local rail.
This week’s magazine is the preview edition for our 21st Cold Comfort winter service conference. I look forward to welcoming you to Coventry on 19 September.
