The UK government has appointed Andrew Stephenson as minister for HS2 to oversee the controversial high-speed railway between London and Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.
Stephenson, who is MP for Pendle, will also have responsibility for the Transpennine and Northern Powerhouse Rail routes.
Prime minister Boris Johnson promised to appoint a minister to oversee HS2 earlier this month when he announced the government would go ahead with the project despite concerns over its rising costs.
The high-speed railway is estimated to cost up to £106 billion – nearly double the £56 billion budget initially set in 2015. It is currently running up to five years behind schedule, with the first phase linking London and Birmingham not due to open until between 2028 and 2031, and the second phase to Manchester and Leeds not until between 2035 and 2040.
Commenting on his appointment, Stephenson said he was “delighted to be given responsibility for HS2”. He added it will be “essential we keep a firm grip on these vital projects”.