In one of the quickest turnarounds in ministerial history, Lilian Greenwood has returned to the Department for Transport (DfT) just a week after being moved to the whips' office.
She was first appointed by prime minister Kier Starmer's government as minister for the future of roads on 9 July 2024, but left the role early last week in the reshuffle.
Then just days later, rumours started to circulate that Ms Greenwood was set to make a shock return to the department, though the DfT press office refused to comment.
Now, Ms Greenwood has been made a transport minister, under the office of Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State. She will also continue to hold the post of Junior Lord of the Treasury (government whip).
Ms Greenwood said on social media: 'Delighted to be reappointed to the DfT in a new role as transport minister.
'Chuffed to also be continuing my work in the whips team as we continue to drive forward this Labour Government's agenda and work to rebuild a transport system Britain can rely on.'
Ms Greenwood's return will be warmly greeted by many in the sector, where she is generally regarded as a likeable and highly competent leader. Her previous departure was met with dismay and frustration at what some called the 'Westminster merry-go-around'.
Former Conservative transport minister Steve Norris said: 'Lilian was the ideal minister at DfT and she will be sadly missed. As a former chair of the transport select committee she really knew what she was talking about. A great loss frankly.'
Chief executive of the IHE, Lyle Andrew said: 'She had earned a lot of respect in the sector.'
