Rail Minister Lord Adonis was today (Friday) promoted to Transport Secretary in Gordon Brown’s reshuffle after Geoff Hoon left the Cabinet.
 
He will be the first Transport Secretary to sit in the Lords for many years, but has impressed in his role since being appointed last October.
 
Lord Adonis recently went on a highly-publicised tour of the rail network, and has also taken responsibility for major transport infrastructure projects, including Crossrail.
 
His appointment is likely to be welcomed by the rail industry, and must enhance the prospect of major investment over the coming years.
 
He is a genuine rail enthusiast, and has been a strong supporter of new high-speed lines, and electrification.
 
Mr Hoon, a railwayman’s son was only appointed last October, after Ruth Kelly decided to leave the Cabinet to spend more time with her family.
 
The highly experienced Ashfield MP was previously Chief Whip, and spent a decade in the Cabinet, including the high-profile role of Defence Secretary at the time of the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
 
It was unclear today (Friday) whether he wanted to go or was asked to leave, but Mr Hoon has been among the senior Ministers who have been entangled in the MPs’ expenses controversy.
 
Junior Transport Minister Paul Clark answers rail questions in the Commons, and he will probably have to wait until Mr Brown completes his reshuffle on Monday before knowing whether he will continue in the post.