Greater Manchester mayor warns Avanti West Coast in 'last chance saloon'

The Mayor of Greater Manchester has warned Avanti West Coast that it's in "last chance saloon", after the managing director of the rail firm stepped down on Friday amid a row over a reduced schedule and a jobs dispute with workers.

Phil Whittingham will leave his role from September 15 to "pursue other executive leadership opportunities".

The company is currently operating a significantly reduced service, with only one train an hour running between London and Manchester.

Andy Burnham was highly critical of what he called "serious management failure" after the firm did not produce plans on how to restore its timetable.

Mr Burnham said on Saturday: "Finally, there seems to be an acknowledgment that major change is needed.

"What this reveals is that the reason given at the start of this reduced timetable is clearly not the true story. If you remember the company pointed the finger at the trade unions, so did the Government. In doing that, I think the Government allowed the company to be left off the hook."

Asked if he is calling for the Government to ditch the operator from the franchise, Mr Burnham said: "This company are in the last chance saloon because I cannot accept indefinite chaos on this railway line and the loss of those services."

He called for a meeting with the Government, rather than "playing politics".

Mr Whittingham transferred to Avanti West Coast, as managing director, from Virgin West Coast Trains Limited, following the rail franchise change process, after 23 years in various roles on the railway.

Steve Montgomery, First Rail managing director, said: "Having led the team through the challenges presented by the pandemic over the last two years and into the recovery period, Phil leaves with the team ready for the challenges in delivering the future service requirements.

"I would like to thank Phil and wish him well in the future."

Avanti is one of the rail operators facing more strikes in the coming weeks and has been involved in a row over Sunday working by drivers.

A spokesman for drivers' union Aslef said: "The MD of Avanti West Coast has gone because he lied about unofficial action at the company.

"We look forward to working with a new MD who can, and will, deliver for passengers and staff."

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