Ministers and London mayor Sadiq Khan have nominated Lord Andrew Adonis to be the chair of Crossrail 2, while Val Shawcross has been nominated as the capital’s deputy mayor for transport.
Lord Adonis was transport secretary under Gordon Brown. He was also member of the independent Armitt Commission, which in 2013 recommended a National Infrastructure Commission (NIC).
Lord Andrew Adonis
Last year he was appointed as the interim chair of the NIC, which recommended in March that Crossrail 2 should be taken forward as a priority.
Following his appointment, Lord Adonis said: ‘Without Crossrail 2 London will grind to a halt. There are no greater challenges facing London than overcrowding on the transport network and the city’s acute housing crisis. Crossrail 2 will help tackle both.
‘I am delighted to be nominated to be its chair, whilst continuing the vital work of the National Infrastructure Commission, and I look forward to making it happen.’
Although Lord Adonis has been jointly proposed by Mr Khan, chancellor George Osborne and transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin, his appointment is subject to approval by the London Assembly and the Transport for London (TfL) Board.
Mr Khan and Mr McLoughlin will jointly agree the remit for the new role.
Shawcross gets transport
Lord Adonis had previously been tipped to be deputy mayor for transport in Mr Khan’s administration. However, the mayor has announced that Val Shawcross will fill this role and become the deputy chair of the TfL Board.
Mr Khan, who will serve as chair of the TfL Board, said: ‘Val Shawcross has unrivalled knowledge of London’s transport issues through her work over 16 years as a London Assembly member. I know this extensive experience makes her the right person to help deliver my plans for a modern, accessible and affordable transport network for everyone.
‘As London grows, it is imperative that we plan now for the transport infrastructure London needs for the long-term. So I am delighted to announce my proposal to appoint Andrew Adonis as Chair of Crossrail 2. He will bring vital experience to help ensure Crossrail 2 gets off the ground and is delivered as quickly as possible.’
The mayor also named three other members of his new team, including appointing James Murray, currently a councillor in the London Borough of Islington, to be deputy mayor for housing.
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