Statement by Heidi Alexander

Since being appointed as Deputy Mayor for Transport in May 2018, I have been proud to be part of the team delivering the Mayor’s vision for transport in London: affordable public transport, healthier streets, and infrastructure that makes London fit for the future.

I have had oversight of some of Europe’s most complex and high-profile transport projects and have played a key role in helping (TfL) navigate the hardest year in its history, brought about by Covid-19.

I have worked closely with the leadership of TfL to implement the Mayor’s strategic and operational priorities for London’s transport system. Having inherited a visionary and ambitious Mayor’s Transport Strategy, I have worked alongside the Mayor’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner to oversee a step change in the delivery of schemes to support active travel. We have pushed forward with the Mayor’s Vision Zero ambitions, introduced world-leading air quality schemes and ensured that we continue to plan for and build transport infrastructure that will serve Londoners for generations to come.

I work closely with TfL to oversee day-to-day transport operations, managing a multitude of risks and issues as they arise, and ensuring TfL communicates clearly and effectively with the public. I have championed an open and honest dialogue between City Hall and TfL, as well as with senior external stakeholders, including Government and the Assembly. I have good relations with local authority leaders, parliamentarians, the business community and the Trade Union movement – all of which have enabled me to act as an effective conduit for those groups with City Hall and TfL.

The last three years have posed challenges unparalleled in TfL’s history. The combination of a funding model imposed by Government on TfL (which left it disproportionately dependent upon fare income), the delays to the opening of the Elizabeth Line and the onset of Covid-19 have created huge financial uncertainty and significant operational challenges. It is to the credit of TfL’s senior leadership that we have successfully negotiated two emergency funding settlements relating to Covid-19 and two Crossrail funding deals – all of which I have had personal involvement in. We have also transitioned the Governance of Crossrail into TfL and I am personally committed, through my work on the Elizabeth Line Committee, to ensure this railway opens as soon as possible.

I would like to put on record my thanks to all TfL staff who have gone above and beyond over the last year and to the Trades Unions and Assembly members of all parties who, recognising the gravity of the situation in March 2020, supported TfL in their herculean efforts to keep London moving.

Covid-19 has transformed all of our lives but many of London’s demands as a leading global city will remain undiminished. A positive and ambitious vision for London will require a world class public transport system, green and attractive public spaces and safe cycling routes. I believe I have the experience to assist the Mayor in delivering his vision and to anticipate the emerging patterns of mobility needed to underpin London’s economic recovery. HEIDI ALEXANDER

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE

2018 – PRESENT DEPUTY MAYOR FOR TRANSPORT & DEPUTY CHAIR OF TFL

• ’s lead on all transport matters – providing high-level advice to the Mayor and Mayoral Directors on all strategic transport decisions • Implementing the Mayor’s strategic and operational priorities for London’s transport system, as well as working with TfL’s Commissioner and senior managers to oversee day-to-day transport operations, risk management, and communications for a £9bn integrated transport authority • Oversight of delivery of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy and of Transport for London’s (TfL) business plan and annual budget • Responsible alongside TfL’s Commissioner and other senior TfL staff for high-level negotiations and liaison with Government on key transport issues, including funding agreements for TfL and Crossrail • Deputy Chair, TfL Board (2018-present) • Chair, Elizabeth Line Committee (2020-present) • Member, Programmes and Investment Committee; Finance Committee; Remuneration Committee (2018-present)

2010 – 2018 MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR LEWISHAM EAST

• Shadow Secretary of State for Health (2015-2016) • Deputy Shadow (2013-2015) • Senior Opposition Whip (2013-2015) • Opposition Whip (2012-2013) • Member: o Communities and Local Government Select Committee (2010-2012) o Health Select Committee (2016-2017) o Regulatory Reform Committee (2010-2012) o Committee of Selection (2014-2015) o Co-founder & Director, Labour Campaign for the Single Market (2017-2018)

2006 - 2010 DEPUTY MAYOR & FULL-TIME CABINET MEMBER FOR REGENERATION LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM

• Leadership responsibility for town centre redevelopment, transport, strategic housing and skills London Councils Transport & Environment Committee Member (2006-2010) and TEC Executive Member (2006-2007) • Chair, Greater London Enterprise (2006-2008) • Director, Lewisham Local Education Partnership, responsible for the delivery of Lewisham’s Building Schools for the Future Programme (2007-2010) • Board Member, Thames Gateway London Partnership (2006-2010)

2004 - 2010 COUNCILLOR, LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM (EVELYN WARD)

OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2005 - 2006 Campaign Co-ordinator, Clothes Aid 1999 - 2005 Parliamentary Researcher to MP 1998 6-month placement, Office of Cherie Booth QC, No.10 Downing St. 1996 - 1997 Holiday representative, First Choice Holidays

EDUCATION

1998 - 1999 MA, European Urban and Regional Change (Distinction), 1993 - 1996 BA Hons, Geography (First Class), Durham University 1991 - 1993 New College Sixth Form, Swindon 1986 - 1991 Churchfields Comprehensive School, Swindon