19.11.15
Ex-minister made chair of BTP Authority
Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin has appointed ex-cabinet minister Esther McVey as chair of the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA), where she will oversee transport security and tackle sexual violence on the rail network.
McVey will play a vital role in steering the strategic direction of the BTPA, to ensure the British Transport Police (BTP) is an efficient and effective force across the transport network.
She took up her four-year term role today (19 November) after visiting BTP’s Camden offices with McLoughlin the day before, during which they met with the chief constable of BTP, Paul Crowther, to tour the CCTV hub and discuss transport safety.
McLoughlin, who made the appointment after an independent selection process, said: “The security of the travelling public has never been more important, and Esther McVey will bring considerable skills to this vital task.
“Although Britain has one of the safest railways in Europe, we face increasing risks that mean there can be no room for complacency.”
Andrew Figgures, chief executive of the BTPA, said McVey will be essential to make sure the force achieves its strategic goals of reducing disruption and crime, while increasing passenger confidence, within an increasingly tight budget.
The Authority includes another 15 members who all help in securing the safety of passengers and railway employees. They meet six times a year to set BTP targets, monitor its operations and allocate funds for its budget.
McVey will be supported by deputy chairman Brian Phillpott and the rest of the board.
(Top image, left to right: transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin, BTPA chair Esther McVey, BTP chief constable Paul Crowther)