Heidi Alexander named Transport Secretary, replacing Louise Haigh

Fri 29 November 2024 View all news

Heidi Alexander has been named Transport Secretary following the resignation of Louise Haigh. She was previously Minister of State at the Ministry of Justice following the General Election and served as Deputy Mayor of London for Transport from 2018 to 2021.

Heidi Alexander is the MP for Swindon South and was previously MP for Lewisham (2010-18). 

Prior to her election as MP for Lesisham, she served on Lewisham Borough Council from 2004 until 2010 and was Deputy Mayor of Lewisham and Cabinet Member for Regeneration from 2006 to 2010. 

Shortly after her first election to Parliament in 2010 Alexander was appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary to Mary Creagh, then the shadow environment secretary. She became an Opposition whip in 2012, and was promoted to Deputy Shadow Minister for London and senior Opposition whip in 2013. She served as a member of the Communities and Local Government Committee from 2010 to 2012 and Health Committee from 2016 to 2017.

Commenting on her appointment, Zemo's Managing Director Claire Haigh said: "Heidi Alexander takes on this key role at a critical time in the transition to net zero. We're close to a full understanding of the technologies that can decarbonise transport and it's now time to step on the accelerator and remove the remaining challenges and policy barriers that stand in the way of us getting to our destination.

"Zemo stands ready to support the new Transport Secretary as she begins her new role and look forward to working with her and her team to deliver net zero transport." 

The Secretary of State has overall responsibility for all Department for Transport business, including: 

  • overarching responsibility for the departmental portfolio and oversight of the ministerial team 
  • delivering the transport priorities of the government: making transport cheaper, greener, and more reliable 
  • ensuring the transport network is safe and accessible 
  • corporate functions such as oversight of departmental finance and public appointments

 

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