OREANDA-NEWS. July 17, 2015. Lord Adonis has been appointed as a new non-executive board member of HS2 Ltd, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin announced today (16 July 2015).

As a former Secretary of State and Minister of State at the Department for Transport, Lord Adonis brings with him a wealth of knowledge of the railways and the broader transport sector.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said:

Lord Adonis has been a huge supporter of HS2 right from the start, helping to turn the initial concept into a reality. I am extremely pleased that he will be joining the board of HS2 Ltd. His support and expertise will be invaluable as we move towards construction of the railway. HS2 will have a transformational effect on the country, bringing jobs and growth and is a vital part of our long term economic plan.

Chairman of HS2 Ltd, David Higgins, said:

Lord Adonis’s knowledge, passion and commitment to the future of the railways in this country has been one of the key factors in getting HS2 to where we are today. As we move from concept to construction that drive and focus will be of immense help in ensuring we deliver a lasting legacy that will be an integral part of our transport system for the decades to come.

Lord Adonis said:

HS2 is a vital project of national significance. Patrick McLoughlin has been a powerful advocate for the project and the government has risen to the challenge of thinking about the long-term by putting in place a strong team to deliver it.

Having pioneered HS2 from the very beginning I am really pleased to join the board responsible for delivering it. We must not duck this challenge of providing Britain with a railway fit for the 21st century.

Following a career in journalism and local politics, Lord Adonis joined the No 10 policy team in 1998, becoming head of the Policy Unit in 2001. Following this, he served as Minister for Schools from May 2005 until October 2008, Minister of State for Transport from October 2008 until June 2009, and Secretary of State for Transport from June 2009 until May 2010.

The appointment lasts for 3 years and Lord Adonis will be contracted to work an average of 2 days a month.