CILT raises concern over Transport Secretary churn

The Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport UK (CILT) is calling on the Government to put long term planning at the heart of transport and ensure the role of Transport Secretary lasts longer than an interim post.

Since 2006 there have been seven Transport Secretaries, with the arrival of Patrick McLoughlin, in just six years.

There has been widespread media speculation that Justine Greening was removed from the role due to her firm opposition to a third runway at Heathrow. The Government has stated it wants to explore airport expansion in the South East in an open-minded way.

Following the departure of Alastair Darling from the role of Transport Secretary, the occupiers of the revolving seat have been Douglas Alexander (May 2006 to June 2007), Ruth Kelly (June 2007 to October 2008), Geoff Hoon (October 2008 to June 2009), Lord Andrew Adonis (June 2009 to May 2010), Philip Hammond (May 2010 - October 2011) and Justine Greening (October 2011 - 4 September 2012).

CILT argues that the long term issues facing the country - such as HS2, which will be a 15+ year project; and a third runway/new hub airport solution, which is likely to be a quarter of a century before fruition - mean there must be consistency in the role.

The Government has identified transport infrastructure development as an essential building block for economic growth; and the Institute believes such projects must have a period of stability during their early gestation period to enable them to have the chance to thrive.

CILT chief executive Steve Agg says: "People are really only finding their feet in their first year in any appointment. Considering the huge importance of some of the major questions that the Transport Secretary faces; and their long term implications; there is a strong case to be made that the role should be considered more than an interim position.

"It is to be welcomed that a number of obvious “high flyers” such as Philip Hammond have held the post; but stability is clearly the priority at the moment. The Institute looks forward to welcoming Patrick McLoughlin to the role - we wish him a successful tenure in the post, and above all hope that he is given the time to see the job through."