Prime Minister Andy Burnham has retained Heidi Alexander as Secretary of State for Transport following the formation of his new government, providing continuity for the Department for Transport as several major transport reforms continue.
Alexander, who has led the department since November 2024, remains responsible for overseeing a programme that includes rail reform, bus franchising, aviation policy and the delivery of major infrastructure projects. Her reappointment was confirmed as part of Burnham’s first Cabinet following his appointment as Prime Minister.
While the wider Cabinet has seen significant changes, retaining Alexander suggests the government intends to maintain momentum on transport policy rather than pursue an immediate change in direction.
Since taking office, Alexander has overseen the continued implementation of the government’s rail reform agenda, including the transition towards Great British Railways and the expansion of publicly owned passenger rail operations. She has also continued work on improving local transport connectivity through bus services and supporting investment in strategic transport infrastructure.
Before becoming Transport Secretary, Alexander served as Deputy Mayor of London for Transport between 2018 and 2021, where she worked alongside Mayor Sadiq Khan on the capital’s transport network. She returned to Parliament in the 2024 general election as MP for Swindon South before joining the government.
Burnham’s decision to retain Alexander comes as the transport sector awaits further detail on the government’s long-term priorities, including rail investment, decarbonisation, aviation capacity, local transport funding and infrastructure delivery.
Alexander’s reappointment means that many of the initiatives already underway at the Department for Transport are likely to continue without interruption while the new government establishes its broader policy agenda.
