Lord Adonis put forward as new Chair of Crossrail 2

National Infrastructure Commission interim chair, Lord Adonis, is set to become chair of Crossrail 2 after bring jointly nominated by new Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan; Chancellor George Osborne and Transport Secretary, Patrick McLoughlin.

The appointment will be subject to approval by the London Assembly and Transport for London Board.

The nomination was agreed this week following a meeting between the Chancellor and the Mayor of London. He will continue in role of interim chair of the National Infrastructure Commission.

Lord Adonis brings with him a huge amount of experience to the role. Amongst his previous positions are a former Secretary of State for Transport and Minister for Schools. He was also member of the independent Armitt Commission, which recommended an independent National Infrastructure Commission in 2013.

He has been a strong supporter of the Crossrail 2 project, labelling it ‘a priority’ that must be delivered by 2033.

The project, running south-west to north-east across London, will look to change how people travel around the capital and the south east. It will address the issue of overcrowding at main terminal stations and help in the delivery of new housing in London.

Lord Adonis said: “Without Crossrail 2 London will grind to a halt. There are no greater challenges facing London than overcrowding on the transport network and the city’s acute housing crisis. Crossrail 2 will help tackle both.

“I am delighted to be nominated to be its chair, whilst continuing the vital work of the National Infrastructure Commission, and I look forward to making it happen.”

Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin, said: “At this year’s Budget, the Chancellor gave the green light to Crossrail 2, a railway to transform how people travel in and around our nation’s capital. This transport project needs strong and experienced leadership and we agree with the Mayor of London that Lord Adonis will bring all of the vital skills and knowledge needed to drive the project forward.

“We now look forward to working in partnership with Transport for London and Lord Adonis to fully develop the business case for Crossrail 2. We are investing billions in projects right across the country because we know good transport links help people get around and get on.”

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