(Commonwealth Union)_ After meeting with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace last week, Rishi Sunak officially became the third Conservative Prime Minister of the UK this year. He then announced the new members of his cabinet, including the notable selection of Forest of Dean MP Mark Harper as Secretary of State for Transportation. Anne Marie-Trevelyan, who Liz Truss replaced in the position of Grant Shapps at the beginning of September, is replaced by Mr. Harper.
After supporting Sunak for Prime Minister and saying that he “represents a return to historic Conservative principles and offers an exciting vision for the future of our country”, Mr. Harper was appointed. “Our next Prime Minister must restore confidence; I support Rishi Sunak to provide the responsible, capable leadership our United Kingdom needs,” he said.
The position has changed hands twice already this year, and Mr. Harper’s choice might indicate a lack of consistency in the goals for the transportation industry. With the future of initiatives like HS2, Great British Railways and Northern Powerhouse Rail uncertain, as well as the crippling rail industry’s strike action, UK transportation will need a steady leader to calm the sector and present a compelling story for development and project execution.
Following his appointment, Mr. Harper issued a brief statement in which he expressed his “pleasure” at being chosen Transport Secretary. “Transport impacts us all,” he continued, “and I can’t wait to take on the difficulties we confront to deliver for communities all over our United Kingdom.” Following Liz Truss’ departure, Mr. Harper openly endorsed Mr. Sunak for the position of Prime Minister. He replaces Grant Shapps, who left his position on September 6. He is the third Secretary of State for Transportation to hold the position in less than three months.for her part, Ms. Trevelyan supported Boris Johnson’s bid to become Prime Minister once more.
