All change at the DfT THE DEPARTMENT FOR Transport has
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received an overhaul as part of new Prime Minister Gordon Brown's f irst cabinet reshuffle, Douglas Alexander and Stephen Laciyman, previously Transport Secretary and Transport Minister, have been replaced by Ruth Kelly, and Rosie Winterton respectively. Tom Harris remains Under Secretary for Transport, focusing on rail and passenger services. Jim Fitzpatrick also becomes an Under Secretary it is not yet clear who will be responsible for road haulage.
Ruth Kelly is an unknown quantity as far as transport is concerned, but she is generally loyal to the government line and backs government policy on Iraq, anti-terrorism and ID cards.
The new Chancellor. Alistair Darling, is an old face for the road transport industry having been Transport Secretary from 20022006. The Freight Transport Association believes Darling is well aware of the issues facing road transport.
Jack Semple, director of policy at the Road Haulage Association, says: "We're keen to raise the issue of fuel duty differentials with [Darling] again and are pleased he is well placed to understand this and perhaps better placed to do something about it than he was in his previous job."
Shadow transport representatives Owen Patterson and Chris Grayling have moved on too, to be replaced by Theresa Villiers as Shadow Transport Secretary. Villiers' previous appointments included Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury.