DfT confirms latest ministerial briefs

Richard Holden has been appointed as the DfT’s new roads minister, also assuming responsibility for local transport, the DVLA and the DVSA.

The MP for North West Durham steps into the role held by Katherine Fletcher – albeit very briefly – the DfT announced via Twitter earlier this week.

He is the third roads minister in a matter of months, such has been the recent political turmoil.

Richard was first elected as an MP in 2019. He served on the Public Accounts Committee from 2019-2021 and on the European Statutory Instruments Committee.

He has been part of UK parliamentary delegations to international bodies for democracy, such as the Council of Europe and the Inter-Parliamentary Union. He was a parliamentary private secretary to DCMS, then briefly at DfT and DIT.

His portfolio at the DfT comprises: 

• roads and motoring, including DVLA, DVSA, VCA
• regions and devolution
• local transport, including buses, taxis, light rail
• union connectivity
• haulage
• Future of freight
• London (incl. Crossrail, Transport for London)
• accessibility (cross-cutting responsibility)

Honoured to have been appointed a Minister at @transportgovuk

Having served as PPS at @DCMS & briefly at transport & @tradegovuk this is a step up but one I’m really looking forward to#NorthWestDurham constituents will continue, as ever, to receive the same full-tilt service pic.twitter.com/4m8yYFhUtG

— Richard Holden MP (@RicHolden) October 28, 2022

The DfT has also welcomed back Jesse Norman, who served as roads minister from 2017-18.

His new portfolio includes active travel, as well as transport decarbonisation, air quality and technology – such as autonomous vehicles, drones, e-scooters.

Meanwhile, Baroness Vere remains at the DfT, while Huw Merriman arrives, having previously chaired the Transport Committee.

The full line-up of DfT ministers is as follows:

• Mark Harper – secretary of state
• Jesse Norman – decarbonisation and technology
• HuwMerriman – Rail and HS2 
• Baroness Vere – aviation, maritime and security
• Richard Holden – roads and local transport

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