Former Tory government minister Esther McVey has been appointed chair of the British Transport Police Authority by her former colleague, Transport Minister Patrick McLaughlin. The part-time £32,000 per year job entails just 60 days work each year and comes with a £35,000 expense account.
The former Wirral West MP was defeated at the general election after several unpopular statements and actions. In 2014 as Employment Minister she claimed there was no link between the rise in foodbank use and the government’s welfare reforms. As Minister for Disabled People in 2013 she oversaw the closure of 92 Remploy factories which employed disabled people to make products such as wheelchairs and school furniture.
Perhaps this experience of forcing through redundancy and cuts to services will serve her well in her new job. Mr. McLaughlin spoke in glowing terms of her talents, honed by years of television presenting, she will oversee the important work of transport security and tackling sexual offences on the rail network.
We can certainly be sure that at least one train will continue to run safely for Esther: the gravy train!
