Former Prime Minister joins railway company’s independent advisory board

The Rt Hon Theresa May MP has joined train operator Great Western Railway’s independent stakeholder advisory board, its external body of experts helping to provide opinion and oversight.

GWR operates high speed trains between South Wales and South West England to London, as well as regional and commuter services in the Cotswolds, West Country and parts of Southern England.

Invited to join the 12-strong board by the current chair, Lord Faulkner of Worcester, the Rt Hon Theresa May MP said: “I know how important reliable rail services are for my Maidenhead constituents and others across the Thames Valley, therefore I welcome this opportunity which will enable me to help deliver for our area.

“It was an excellent first meeting and I am looking forward to working with the Board to push for outcomes which will directly improve services for rail users across Maidenhead and the entire GWR network.”

Welcoming the new board member Lord Faulkner of Worcester, Chair of the GWR Advisory Board, said: “I’m delighted that Mrs May has joined the GWR Advisory Board. She has been a staunch campaigner for better rail services and connections since her election as the MP for Maidenhead 25 years ago, and she will be a very welcome addition to our Board.”

GWR has had a Stakeholder Advisory Board since its conception in 2015, bringing forward the idea from First Great Western. Set up to offer a sounding board and critical, informed advice the Advisory Board includes representatives from all the routes served by GWR, covering the fields of business; academia; the voluntary sector; the House of Commons, and the House of Lords.

GWR Managing Director Mark Hopwood said:“Listening to our customers, our stakeholders and our partners has always been a big part of how we do business. The Advisory Board brings together representatives from across the communities we serve, and we are very grateful for the advice and guidance the offer.

“We also have a number of Local Transport Forums and Accessibility Panels to help us develop services and facilities to meet customer aspirations.”

Rt Hon Theresa May MP takes the vacancy created when Ranil Jayawardena MP joined the Government. Mrs May will receive no payment and no complimentary travel but will attend up to six meetings a year with the GWR senior team.

(Lead image: GWR)