Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government, following the announcement on 18 June of a single leadership team for Southeastern and Network Rail’s Kent Route, what power they rely on to enable the formation of this single leadership team, and what governance processes will be in place to manage any potential conflicts of interest under current legislation.

A single leadership team is achieved through contractual arrangements between Network Rail, the train operating company and DfT Operator Limited. The legal arrangements are based on those used in previous alliancing arrangements between Network Rail and train operators. These organisations will still be held to account for their respective accountabilities (including Network Rail under its network licence). Governance mechanisms being put in place include clear job descriptions for the single leadership team detailing the extent of their decision-making abilities and an escalation process for any perceived conflicts.