Chairman Cook to leave HS2 Ltd in July

HS2 Ltd Chairman Allan Cook CBE has resigned from his post, saying the timing of the decision allows a replacement to take the project to the next phase.

Cook (pictured) took over the role in December 2018.

His first term is due to end this December, but having tendered his resignation he will now leave his post at the end of July.

In a letter to HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson, Cook said the start of tunnelling this summer was the right time to hand over to someone who could commit their full focus to the new railway. He also stated his belief that the new line would be built in full.

“In my time at HS2, I feel privileged to have provided more certainty on schedule and cost, to have helped embed a strong environmental and sustainability focus, establish a culture of openness and transparency and build a diverse and talented Board of Directors,” he wrote.

“A project of this scale and ambition will encounter challenges, but it is vital we understand the prize: a lowcarbon railway for Britain that will make us a better-connected and fairer country, bringing careers, jobs and prosperity to the towns and cities that need it most.”

Stephenson said: “His work has ensured that the construction of this critical project is now under way, creating tens of thousands of skilled jobs, kickstarting our economy and helping us build back better from COVID-19.”

Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps said of Cook: “His work steering the project through the Stocktake and Notice to Proceed ensures that HS2 is set on the right course for the future, and the project can advance with optimism.”

For more on HS2, see pages 12-15.