Transport for London boss Mike Brown is to leave the agency in order to take up a key role in the renovation of Parliament.
Brown, who became Transport Commissioner in July 2015 after previously serving as TfL Chief Operating Officer and London Underground Managing Director, will step down at the end of the current Mayoral term in May.
He’ll then take up the post of Chair of the Delivery Authority for the Restoration & Renewal of the Houses of Parliament in which he’ll oversee the “internationally-significant” restoration of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Brown said: “Every day, thousands of unsung women and men go to work to keep London moving and to make this city better, cleaner and safer for everyone.
“I am inspired by them and I will miss them, but it’s the right time for me to move on to a new challenge after more than 30 years in the transport industry and what will have been nearly five years as Commissioner.
“I’m proud of what has been achieved at TfL and I’m proud of having served and delivered for the Mayor. In spite of the challenges that London has experienced at times over the years, TfL is an organisation full of the energy, ability and passion to make this an even better city for all.
“I look forward to this new change of direction, and to bringing the experience I have gained throughout my career to the job of restoring and renewing the iconic architectural jewel that lies at the heart of London and at the heart of our country’s democracy.”
Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “Mike deserves huge thanks for the exceptional service he has given to London, both for the excellent job he has done as TfL Commissioner, but also for all the work he has done for the capital since starting at TfL in 1989.
“The recent transformation of the London’s public transport network into one of the very best in the world is testament to Mike’s expertise, and much of the exciting investment we’re continuing to see in transport across the capital is a result of Mike’s leadership and vision.
“I wish him the best of luck for everything in the future.”
Responding to the news Florence Eshalomi, Labour’s Transport Spokesperson on the London Assembly, said: “London’s transport network is the beating heart of our capital and I want to thank Mike Brown for his dedication to delivering a service that’s truly second to none.
“Transport for London has its burdens to bear, not least because of budgetary pressures caused by the loss of government grant, which has made it more challenging to meet the needs of our growing population.
“Mike has had to take difficult decisions, and we’ve been vigorous in our scrutiny of those, but he has shown real leadership and we wish him the very best for the future.”