Shawcross leaves after 18 years at City Hall, 16 as a London Assembly member and 2 as one of Mayor Sadiq Khan’s key aides with day to day overnight of transport policy.
She also spent eight years as chair of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority and during her time on the Assembly and as deputy mayor was a strong advocate for passengers and transparency.
Alexander will be stepping down from Parliament in order to take up her post. Her appointment follows growing speculation about her future in the Commons.
Mayor Khan, said: “I want to thank Val for the exceptional service she has given to London as an Assembly Member and Deputy Mayor – and for her personal friendship.
“Val is hugely respected by politicians from all parties and her deep expertise on transport in London has made life better for millions of Londoners – whether making our public transport network more accessible and affordable, delivering huge projects such as the Elizabeth Line, or improving TfL as an organisation.
Speaking about his new appointee, the Mayor added: “Heidi knows this city inside-out, and her work both as Shadow Health Secretary and campaigning over the best Brexit deal has demonstrated the terrific job she will do as part of my team standing up for London.
“Heidi is respected across the political divide as a parliamentarian and campaigner, and Londoners can be confident she will ensure we deliver our ambitious plans to transform London’s transport network over the coming years.”
Val Shawcross CBE said: “It’s been a huge honour to work as Deputy Mayor for Transport under Sadiq’s leadership, working with colleagues at the GLA and TfL to make our city a better and fairer place for every Londoner.
“Working as an Assembly Member and then Deputy Mayor, I hope I’ve played my part ensuring our city has a high-quality, affordable and accessible transport network that serves the needs of every Londoner, whatever their background.
“After more than 18 years at the GLA, and having steered through the Mayor’s Transport Strategy and five-Year Business Plan, now is the right time for me to stand down.
“There’s so much I want to do with my husband and my family, and this will give me the time and space to do so.”
Heidi Alexander MP said: “I am really excited to be joining Sadiq and the team at City Hall. Val is going to be a hard act to follow but I can’t wait to get started.
“After eight years as the Member of Parliament for Lewisham East and six years as a local councillor, I know just how important it is we ensure everyone has access to a high-quality and affordable public transport network, with safe cycling routes across the capital.
“London is a fantastic city. I know Sadiq wants its transport system to be the envy of the world and I am looking forward to playing my part in making that happen.”
