The Office of Road and Rail has confirmed the appointment of Joanna Whittington as its interim chief executive, ahead of the search for a permanent chief exec which is expected to start in the summer. This follows the end of the fixed five year tenure of the previous chief exec Richard Price.

Whittington was previously ORR's director of railway markets and economics and a member of the ORR board. In this role she was responsible for ORR's economic regulatory role, including planning for the next rail funding period from 2019 to 2024

ORR chair Stephen Glaister said: "The UK transport sector continues to expand, it’s essential that there is a well-governed regime to enable adequate provision for the needs of a growing economy. In this complex and ever-changing environment, Joanna brings a wealth of experience and expertise in her new role."