Val Shawcross has been announced as London’s new Deputy Mayor for Transport and Deputy Chair of Transport for London.

 

She has extensive experience of issues relating to the capital’s transport. For the past eight years she has been Labour’s transport spokesperson on the Greater London Assembly and has alternated between the roles of chair and deputy chair of its transport committee. Val Shawcross is pictured alongside Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.

 

In total she has served as Lambeth & Southwark’s representative on the Assembly for 16 years.

 

Current transport committee chair Caroline Pidgeon of the Liberal Democrats said: “Having co-chaired the committee with Val Shawcross since 2008 I know for certain that Val has the knowledge and expertise that is required for this job‎. She also has a passion for making public transport truly accessible for everyone so I look forward to further improvements taking place in access to the Tube and other TfL services in the future.
 
“I expect in the years ahead we will not always be in total agreement on every issue, but in terms of her commitment and ‎suitability for this post there will never be any dispute.”

 

A spokesman for transport user watchdog London TravelWatch said: “We congratulate Val Shawcross on her appointment.

 

“This is good news for Londoners as she is so familiar with how the capital’s transport system works and she also has experience of getting things done in other arenas.

 

“When it comes to dealing with Transport for London she will be tough but fair. We look forward to working with her.”

 

National Infrastructure Commission chair Lord Adonis had previously been tipped to take up the position of London’s Deputy Mayor for Transport. However this week it was revealed he is likely instead to become the new chair of Crossrail 2; London’s planned north east-south west metro project.

 

Lord Adonis has been proposed for the role jointly by the Mayor of London, Chancellor George Osborne and Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin. His appointment is subject to approval by the London Assembly and Transport for London Board.

 

Lord Adonis said: “Without Crossrail 2 London will grind to a halt. There are no greater challenges facing London than overcrowding on the transport network and the city’s acute housing crisis. Crossrail 2 will help tackle both.

 

“I am delighted to be nominated to be its chair, while continuing the vital work of the National Infrastructure Commission, and I look forward to making it happen.”

 

London Mayor Sadiq Khan added that Lord Adonis would “bring vital experience to help ensure Crossrail 2 gets off the ground and is delivered as quickly as possible”.

 

(Photo: Mayor of London)