Tugwell departs as head of re-trenching TfN

Chief executive of Transport for the North (TfN) Martin Tugwell is leaving after almost five years, in a seeming recognition of the body’s diminished role. He says he will be taking a “career break”. His deputy Katie Day will take over as Interim CEO on 12 June.

TfN said the leadership transition comes at an “important moment”, as the organisation continues to “reset and renew” amid a rapidly changing landscape across the North.

Last October LTT reported growing indications that TfN was facing a pared back role as the Government pursued other initiatives to promote development in the North (LTT925), with former senior civil servant and Leeds council chief Tom Riordan appointed as the Treasury’s envoy dedicated to northern growth – with transport his first task.

The Department for Transport had also advised all the Sub National Transport Bodies that it was cutting their funding. TfN is the only one with statutory status. It was effectively further marginalised when the government announced its Northern Rail plans earlier this year without reference to the body (LTT930 22 January).

TfN sources said last autumn that the organisation was seeking to “chart a new direction” following the departure of Lord Patrick McLoughlin as Chair after his four-year term came to an end, putting Tugwell’s own position in doubt. In March David Skaith, Mayor of York & North Yorkshire, and Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, were appointed Co-Chairs.

Last week Tugwell said: “After careful consideration, I believe now is the right time for me to step away as CEO of TfN. It’s been a privilege to serve the North, its political leaders and to work with some of the most skilled and talented professionals involved in strategic transport planning.

“TfN has a reputation for technical leadership and excellence and plays a vital role in supporting its constituent authorities and national government to make the case for investment in the North’s transport system.”

TfN’s role must continue to evolve in response to the devolution agenda, said Tugwell. “Now is the right time for me to step back and enable a new leadership to work with our constituent authorities to shape a new TfN.”

Katie Day also appeared to concede a diminished role when she said: “TfN is focused on serving our members and delivering the data, insight and technical capability needed to develop stronger investment cases and help deliver on their ambitions.” Day notably avoided mention of any strategic planning or advocacy role.

She continued in a similar vein :“Collaboration is central to TfN’s future and I’m committed to strengthening the partnerships that sit at the heart of our work. I’m working closely with our Board, the North’s 11 combined authorities and the Department for Transport to shape the future of TfN and ensure we are aligned on delivering the shared transport ambitions for the North which will unlock economic growth.”