The London Assembly today announced the appointment of Arthur Leathley as the new Chair of London TravelWatch[1], the statutory watchdog for transport users in and around London.
Arthur has senior level experience as a communications director in the private sector and Whitehall. In particular, he spent nine years at Virgin Trains, during a time of great change in which customer satisfaction became the best in the rail industry. Prior to that, he worked as a political and transport journalist at The Times, covering many of the key debates affecting London transport.
Arthur Leathley, newly appointed Chair of London TravelWatch, said:
“The views of millions of transport users in London are crucial and I am excited to represent consumers during a time of very positive change. Travelling in the capital is likely to be transformed beyond recognition over the coming years and London TravelWatch will ensure that the interests of the travelling public are always put first. The need for an effective consumer champion has never been greater and I look forward to building on the work of the previous Chair, Stephen Locke.”
The appointment was made by the Transport Committee on behalf of the London Assembly.
Keith Prince AM, Chairman of the London Assembly Transport Committee said:
“The London Assembly welcomes the appointment of Arthur Leathley as the new Chair of London TravelWatch. The Transport Committee looks forward to working closely with Arthur, as he leads the organisation forward at such an important time. Arthur's wealth of experience in transport journalism will be vital in helping us to ensure that the views of passengers are heard and communicated to help influence and improve transport in London.”
Notes to editors
- London TravelWatch is the official watchdog organisation representing the interests of transport users in and around the capital. London TravelWatch is sponsored and funded by the London Assembly, which is part of the Greater London Authority, and is independent from transport operators. www.londontravelwatch.org.uk
- Arthur Leathley begins work on October the 1st.
- Keith Prince AM, Chairman of the Transport Committee, is available for interview – see contact details below.
- London Assembly Transport Committee.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Lisa Lam on 020 7983 4067. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.