Jim McMahon named new Shadow Transport Secretary

The new leader of the Labour party has revealed that Jim McMahon will be the Shadow Transport Secretary, taking over from Andy McDonald.

The announcement from Keir Starmer comes less than a week that Andy McDonald revealed plans for the party’s Rail White Paper – GB Rail. Under the plans, the railways would be not-for-profit in public ownership.

Jim McMahon, MP for Oldham West and Royton, Tweeted: “I’m delighted, and humbled to be joining the Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Transport Secretary. It’s an exciting time to serve our movement. Loved my time as Shadow Minister for Local Government, thanks to my former bosses.”

The appointment has been welcomed by the Railway Industry Association.

Chief Executive Darren Caplan said: “On behalf of the Railway Industry Association and our members I would like to welcome Jim McMahon to his position as the new Shadow Transport Secretary.

“The Coronavirus outbreak provides a real challenge to the railways, and the UK rail industry is working hard to overcome these challenges. Whether maintaining the existing network or building, safely, the world-class railway we all want to see for the future, rail suppliers really are working flat-out to ensure key workers and resources can move across the country, and to support the economy. They have all of our gratitude at this most difficult of times.

“Both through the Coronavirus outbreak and afterwards, we look forward to working closely with the new Shadow Transport Secretary, to ensure there is a strong rail supply sector that supports passengers, freight services and the UK plc, its economy and connectivity more widely, in the months and years ahead.

“I would also, on behalf of RIA and our members, like to offer sincere thanks to outgoing Shadow Transport Secretary Andy McDonald, who was very supportive of, and accessible to, the rail supply sector and a strong advocate of providing a consistent, visible pipeline of work for the railway industry. We congratulate him on his new role as Shadow Employment Rights Secretary and look forward to continuing to work with him in Parliament.”

The Shadow Cabinet was revealed on Monday, with Angela Rayner named as Deputy Leader and Chair and Anneliese Dodds, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Keir Starmer said: “I’m proud to have appointed a Shadow Cabinet that showcases the breadth, depth and talents of the Labour Party.

“This is a new team that will be relentlessly focused on acting in the national interest to respond to the coronavirus pandemic and rebuilding Labour so that it can win the next election.”

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