Holden is new Shadow Transport Secretary

Conservative MP Richard Holden has been appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, replacing Gareth Bacon, who had been in the post for eight months. 

Holden was Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Roads and Local Transport in the previous Government from October 2022 until November 2023.

The MP for Basildon and Billericay was a member of the Public Accounts Committee between March 2020 and March 2022.

“I will work to drive forward the kind of changes that really make a difference for drivers, rail users, and passengers and also for our commercial aviation, logistics, haulage, and

shipping sectors,” said Holden.

“As a backbencher, I fought against and won a reversal of a Road Tax increase. As Roads and Local Transport Minister in the last Conservative Government, I extended the £2 bus fare cap and helped ensure it was a clear Conservative manifesto commitment. A commitment Labour did not match as they abandoned the policy in government.”

He added: “Drivers, passengers, and the whole transport sector have a Conservative team who are on their side and who will always put them and what works first. Time and again, this Government has shown that it puts ideology and party politics ahead of what

actually helps passengers.

“Under my brief, I will work with fellow Conservative MPs to push for reliable, affordable joined-up transport that genuinely serves people’s lives and local communities.”