Merriman’s appointment as a DfT minister had been widely welcomed throughout travel following his support for the sector during Covid as chair of parliament’s transport select committee.

Aito said Merriman had taken time to understand the challenges facing travel SMEs (small- and medium-sized enterprises), adding it hoped his appointment would lead to greater recognition of the value of outbound travel within government.

However, after fellow transport minister Baroness Charlotte Vere was this week assigned the DfT’s maritime brief in addition to her existing responsibility for aviation, it became increasingly unlikely Merriman’s portfolio would extend to outbound travel in any significant way – besides oversight for international rail.

And on Thursday (3 November), the DfT confirmed its new ministerial line-up in full for the first time following the appointment of Mark Harper as secretary of state.

With Merriman assigned rail and HS2, and Vere aviation, maritime and security, decarbonisation and technology matters will fall to Jesse Norman and roads and local transport to Richard Holden.

Merriman will also stand down as chair of the transport select committee following his ministerial appointment. A search for his successor is already under way.

Business Travel Association chief executive Clive Wratten was among the first to congratulate Merriman, Normal and Holden on their appointments.

"Our railways, roads and skies are critical to the growth of global Britain," said Wratten. "We look forward to working together, alongside Baroness Vere, minister for aviation, maritime and security, to sustainably protect and reinforce our travel infrastructure, boost passenger confidence, and ensure a green future for business travel."