“I am delighted to have been appointed Minister of State at the Department for Transport by the Prime Minister, with responsibility for Rail and HS2.

“I have a real passion for rail. It regenerates areas, connects us with our nation and pushes new frontiers. Having spent 7 years on the Transport Select Committee, the last two as Chairman, I've had a great insight into rail. I appreciate the problems we face and the people who can address them. I look forward to the opportunities and challenges this new role brings.

“I will, of course, continue to work hard to support the residents, communities and businesses of the Bexhill and Battle constituency. Being the Member of Parliament for the constituency I’ve called home, for longer than I’ve been elected, is a special privilege. It will always be my first priority.”