McLoughlin and Perry stay on at Department for Transport

 Patrick McLoughlin has retained his role as Secretary of State for Transport following the Conservatives’ surprise victory in the General Election on May 7. The party’s overall majority means that all Liberal Democrats have now left the government, including Baroness Kramer, who held a rail portfolio.

McLoughlin will oversee transport strategy, including economic growth and climate change, the spending review, transport security and high speed rail.

In addition, Claire Perry has been re-appointed as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, retaining responsibility for rail franchising, commercial, fares, major projects (including Crossrail), freight and logistics, transport agencies, corporate and better regulation.

Robert Goodwill has also remained at the DfT, retaining specific responsibility for HS2 Phase 1.

Joining the DfT is Andrew Jones, who was has been appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State. Jones was elected as MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough for the Conservatives in May 2010. 

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon has also joined the DfT, again as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State. He will also work for the Home Office.

John Hayes, who previously had a national roads, Infrastructure Bill and maritime portfolio, has moved to the Home Office as Minister of State with responsibility for security.

• This article will be updated when further details become available regarding ministerial responsibilities.
• For more on the post-election political environment, read RAIL 775, published on May 27.