Chris Grayling appointed Transport Secretary for UK

Theresa May, Britain’s new Prime Minister, has appointed Chris Grayling as the Transport Secretary.

Contrary to earlier reports that the Department for Transport may face a merger with other departments, Grayling is now charged with everything from HS2 to road infrastructure.

An MP since 2001 and May’s campaign manager in her bid for the top job, Grayling previously served as the Shadow Secretary for State of Transport between 2005 to 2007. During this time he was involved in the widespread MP expenses scandal.

During his stint as Ministry of Justice, Grayling promised justice for victims of poor driving, suggesting if a banned driver goes on to cause death or serious injury they will automatically face jail time of 10 and four years, respectively.

At the time he said: “I want to make our roads safer and ensure people who cause harm face tough penalties.

“Disqualified drivers should not be on our roads for good reason. Those who chose to defy a ban imposed by a court and go on to destroy innocent lives must face serious consequences for the terrible impact of their actions.

“Today, we are sending a clear message that anyone who does will face much tougher punishment.”

With his Ashtead constituency in the vicinity of Heathrow and Gatwick it’s likely that the ongoing runway building discussion will be among his first orders of business.

Since becoming a Government minister in 2010, Grayling has held the roles of Minister for Work and Pensions, Justice Secretary and Leader of the House of Commons.