Andy Burnham to chair Rail North Committee

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has been elected as Chair to Transport for the North’s (TfN) Rail North Committee.

The Committee advises the sub-national transport body on rail services and infrastructure improvements and all matters relating to rail franchise and contract management across the North of England. Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe Leader of Bradford Council, has also been elected as majority group Vice Chair; the minority group Chair and Vice Chairs have not yet been decided.

As Chair, Andy Burnham will oversee the strategic direction of the Committee, with the support of Vice Chairs from the majority and minority groups on the board. His appointment follows recent widespread disruption on the North’s rail network leading to the nationalisation of TransPennine Express, as well as ongoing calls for an improved high-speed rail offer for the region.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:

“It is a great honour to be asked by Mayors and Leaders from both sides of the Pennines to become the new Chair of the Rail North Committee at a crucial time for our railways.

“With both of our main operators [Northern and TransPennine Express] under public control, there is a real opportunity to reshape the North’s railways and give long-suffering passengers here a more reliable service. That means holding the operators to account and making the case for the infrastructure the North desperately needs.

“As Chair, I will not compromise on the North’s call for a railway that is as least as good as the service in other parts of the country, but I will work constructively with the rail industry and with the Government to achieve it.

“Finally, I wish to thank my predecessor Councillor Liam Robinson for his excellent leadership of the Committee during some tough years for railways in the North and laying the foundations for change.”

Lord McLoughlin, Chair of Transport for the North, said: 

“These are crucial leadership roles for our region, and I am more than confident that they will rise to the challenge. Their extensive background in leadership will support the Rail North Committee in performing its duties.

“And I know I speak for all TfN Board Members in looking forward to working with them in taking the RNC agenda forwards. We are grateful to Councillor Liam Robinson for all his hard work in his time as Chair. His leadership was steady and supportive throughout a challenging period.”