04.09.12
Patrick McLoughlin appointed transport secretary
The former chief whip takes the role of transport secretary, replacing Justine Greening.
Greening has been promoted to international development secretary.
McLoughlin’s position as chief whip has been taken on by Andrew Mitchell.
McLoughlin has previously held a role at the DfT as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, from 1989 – 1992.
Prime Minister David Cameron has been reshuffling his Cabinet today, with former rail minister Theresa Villiers also being moved. She has been promoted to Northern Ireland secretary, replacing Owen Paterson.
The reshuffle could have key implications for transport, as Greening’s staunch opposition to a third runway at Heathrow is removed. Chancellor George Osborne recently suggested that the move, which was absent from both Conservative and Liberal Democrat manifestos, was an option that should be considered.
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