Septuagenarian selected to chair 20-year HS2 project
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Government has shocked the rail industry by selecting a septuagenarian to chair High Speed Two (HS2), the much-criticised £32bn megaproject that will not be completed until 2033.
It is understood that the appointment of Douglas Oakervee, right, the former executive chairman at Crossrail, who was considered by many to be semi-retired, may be formally announced tomorrow. He is currently non-executive chairman of the Hong Kong division of the UK construction group Laing O'Rourke.
The chairman will help to steer the project through Parliament next year. HS2 – which will initially run from London to Birmingham but could eventually reach Scotland – is also in the process of selecting a new chief executive, although the incumbent, Department for Transport secondee Alison Munro, has reapplied.
Mr Oakervee led Crossrail when the £15bn link was given Royal Assent in 2008. But it is understood that the 71-year-old was HS2's second choice, which is why there has been a slight delay in the recruitment process, which started in January.
It is not clear who was the preferred choice, but Adrian Montague, the chairman of listed private equity company 3i, was on the shortlist. However, the City grandee has a huge number of other roles, and is leading the Business Department's environmentally dedicated Green Investment Bank.
HS2 has been heavily criticised by those concerned that construction will ruin the landscape.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments