The chief executive of Transport for the North (TfN) has announced he will step down from his role next year.
Barry White announced on Tuesday he will leave the group, which campaigns for Northern transport improvements, in May - following submission of the next business case for Northern Powerhouse Rail in March.
TfN said the process to appoint a successor has begun, with an update on progress "to be made in due course".
Mr White said: “The people at TfN are remarkable, their hard work and passion have helped drive forward the agenda for investment in the North. It’s been a privilege to work with them – alongside the North’s civic and business leaders – in firmly establishing TfN as one clear voice on transport investment.
“Unprecedented Northern collaboration has seen TfN continue to make clear recommendations to Government on future investment.
"I believe the time is right for me to move on, I am immensely proud of the dedicated TfN team, and I know they will continue to drive forward the mission of creating a more prosperous North for generations to come.”
John Cridland, chairman of Transport for the North, said: “We thank him for his leadership, contribution and achievements, in particular submitting our 30-year Strategic Transport Plan to Government last year.
"Barry also led TfN through the challenges of responding to the May 2018 timetable crisis and remains on track to submit the next business case for Northern Powerhouse Rail next March. We wish him the very best for the future.
“With the urgent need to build back better following Covid-19, Transport for the North’s mission to speak with one voice on behalf of our region and create a more prosperous North is as important today as it has ever been.”
