Paul Maynard has been appointed rail minister, replacing Claire Perry following her resignation last week.
Paul Maynard (right) with the DfT's Philip Rutman
Mr Maynard is MP for Blackpool North and Cleveleys and was first elected in May 2010.
As parliamentary under secretary of state at the Department for Transport, he is responsible for:
- rail major projects and growth
- rail infrastructure, safety and security
- passenger services
- strategy, funding and sponsorship
- integrated delivery and accessibility
- rail fares and ticketing
Ms Perry, who had been rail minister since July 2014, had appeared to back train operator Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), owner of the beleaguered Southern Railway.
She resigned shortly after she said in a Commons debate that, having been to London Bridge and Victoria stations many times, she had ‘been ashamed to be the rail Minister’.
Mr Maynard will appear before the Commons Transport Committee on Wednesday (20 July), where he will be questioned on the current situation on the GTR franchise, 'particularly the severe disruption being experienced by Southern Railway’s passengers'.
The session will also consider broader issues, such as disabled people’s access to the railway; plans for “smart” ticketing and part-time season tickets; and ideas for more passenger-focused performance measures.
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