The decision means Alexander will remain in charge of the Department for Transport as the Government prepares for Great Western Railway (GWR) to transfer into public ownership in December.
The move ensures Swindon continues to be represented in Cabinet while one of Labour’s flagship transport policies enters its next phase.
Speaking after her reappointment, Alexander thanked the Prime Minister for retaining her in the role. She said:
“I’m delighted to have been reappointed as Secretary of State for Transport and I am grateful to the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, for the confidence he has placed in me.
“I’m looking forward to continuing the work of delivering a transport system that improves people’s day to day lives, supports economic growth and gives passengers the reliable services they deserve.
“The drive to renationalise our railways continues with GWR coming into public ownership in December. Improving our buses and fixing our broken roads are also top priorities for me.
“It remains the privilege of my life to serve as the Member of Parliament for Swindon South, and I will continue to be a strong voice for our town both locally and in Government, to ensure we secure the investment and opportunities our town deserves.”
Alexander will continue overseeing Labour’s plans to bring passenger rail services into public ownership through Great British Railways.
GWR, which operates services linking Swindon with London, Bristol, South Wales and the South West, is expected to become the latest operator to transfer into public ownership when existing contracts end in December.
Since becoming Transport Secretary, Alexander has led work across rail, roads, buses, aviation and wider transport infrastructure.
Her reappointment follows visits to Japan and China, where she met transport leaders and examined how high-speed rail, metro systems and wider transport networks operate as part of the Government’s long-term plans for Britain’s transport system.
Alexander and Burnham have worked together for more than a decade, having both served in Labour’s Shadow Cabinet under Ed Miliband.
Both have also held senior transport roles outside Westminster. Burnham introduced the Bee Network while Mayor of Greater Manchester, while Alexander served as Deputy Mayor for Transport in London, overseeing Transport for London’s recovery during the Covid-19 pandemic and helping deliver the Elizabeth line.
Conservative Swindon Borough Council leader Gary Sumner welcomed the announcement. He said:
“Delighted to hear that Heidi Alexander has been reappointed as Transport Secretary by the new Prime Minister and I look forward to her continued support for our council and our town on the many levels where we genuinely need government support.”
Her counterpart in Swindon North, MP Will Stone also welcomed the decision.
He said:
“Yesterday was a day full of big changes for the Government, but I am thrilled that my constituency neighbour and friend, Heidi Alexander, will remain Secretary of State for Transport.
“It’s been great having Swindon’s voice heard around the Cabinet table, and among her other achievements with Great British Rail, I want to thank her personally for delivering the direct passenger train from Swindon to Oxford and look forward to continuing to work with her on the road safety strategy.
“I know she will continue to do a fantastic job.”
Labour Group leader Jim Robbins said retaining Heidi in the role was positive for both Swindon and the country. He said:
“I’m delighted for Heidi, who has been doing such an outstanding job in the role and delighted for Swindon, as it is great to have a Cabinet Minister as one of our MPs, advocating for us around the Cabinet table.
“We know Andy Burnham is keen to see real progress made on the cost of living, and transport costs make up a key part of this.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what the new Labour Government will deliver in this space, as well as seeing Heidi delivering on her existing commitments such as renationalising the rail companies and bringing forward the new runways at Heathrow and Gatwick.
“It is great to see her hard work and dedication being recognised by the new Prime Minister.”
Burnham’s decision to retain Alexander provides continuity as the Government prepares to deliver one of its biggest transport reforms.
For Swindon, it also means the town continues to have a Cabinet minister overseeing a department with responsibility for rail, roads and wider transport policy affecting communities across the country.
