THE Prime Minister's office at 10 Downing Street has confirmed that Patrick McLoughlin is moving from his present post as transport secretary to become Conservative Party chairman and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in Theresa May's new government.
The MP for Derbyshire Dales has been in charge of transport since the autumn of 2012, when he replaced Justine Greening. One of his first tasks was to announce the failure of the Intercity West Coast competition and deal with the aftermath.
He ordered a review of the Department for Transport's organisation and methods, and appointed former Eurostar chief Richard Brown to replan the franchising programme.
He is a committed supporter of the railways, especially the plan to build HS2 between London, the West Midlands and the north, on which it is hoped construction can begin next year.
The name of the next transport secretary has not yet been announced.