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Former transport secretary to spearhead Thames Freeport

[ November 1, 2021   //   ]

Former transport secretary Ruth Kelly has been appointed as the first chair of Thames Freeport, encompassing the ports of London Gateway and Tilbury as well Ford’s Dagenham plant.

She was MP for Bolton West from 1997 until 2010, during which time she served as Secretary of State for Transport, as well as for Communities and Local Government, Education and Skills and Minister for Women and Equalities.  Since leaving Parliament, she has held roles at HSBC Global Asset Management and St Mary’s University. 

She commented: “The Freeport will create an irresistible investment platform around our world-class ports – London Gateway and Tilbury – that will deliver a step-change in terminal capacity, supply chain resilience and manufacturing capability for UK plc. The Freeport will drive fresh large-scale inward investment, while driving regeneration in areas of need across our region and creating a centre of excellence for the country as we electrify, automate and digitise our future.”

According to the Chancellor’s Budget announcement on 27 October, the freeport will begin operations from November.

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