Former civil engineer to chair Parliamentary infrastructure group

A former director of global consultancy and construction firm Mace has been confirmed as the new chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Infrastructure (APPGI).

Before becoming the MP for Northampton South, Mike Reader worked in the built environment sector for 20 years and studied civil engineering at university. His last role was director of winning work at Mace.

Mr Reader said: ‘Infrastructure is crucial for so much. Delivered well, it unlocks growth and better opportunities for people. We need to invest in infrastructure to secure the UK’s energy supply and address the challenges climate change presents.'

Sir John Armitt, chair of the National Infrastructure Commission, said: ‘Under Mike’s leadership, this group will I’m sure be a strong voice for the industry, using its convening power to give ministers and parliamentarians access to the latest thinking about how we secure sustainable growth, meet our net zero goals and create a more climate resilient nation.’

The APPGI highlights the importance of economic infrastructure like railways, roads, water and energy infrastructure to parliamentarians and government and facilitates relationships with industry.

The Institution of Civil Engineers is the official secretariat for the APPGI and organises its programme of events on infrastructure-related topics throughout the year.

Pictured, left to right: Andrew Ranger – Labour MP for Wrexham (Member); Luke Taylor – Liberal Democrat MP for Sutton and Cheam (Member); Tom Gordon – Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough (Officer); Amanda Hack – Labour MP for North West Leicestershire (Member); Mike Reader; Gideon Amos – Liberal Democrat MP for Taunton and Wellington; Sir John Armitt; Clive Betts – Labour MP for Sheffield South East; Baroness Pauline Neville-Jones (Conservative)