JUSTINE Greening's removal from the post of Transport Secretary has been welcomed by opponents of HS2.

Ms Greening, a supporter of the controversial scheme, became Secretary of State for International Development during yesterday's cabinet reshuffle.

She will be replaced in the role by Derbyshire Dales MP Patrick McLoughlin in a move that has led to fresh optimism amongst campaigners in Bucks.

Cllr Seb Berry of Chiltern District Council said: "Good riddance to a Transport Secretary who added insult to injury by arrogantly refusing to visit this area and hear at first hand from local people. 

"We now have a Transport Secretary who represents a rural seat and one who will want to take another look at the ever worsening HS2 economic case. It's a good opportunity for the Stop HS2 campaign to build on the momentum of the last months in the run up to the December court hearings."

Martin Tett, Leader of Buckinghamshire County Council and chairman of the 51M alliance group, said: "The business case for HS2 has collapsed and there are much more important priorities for infrastructure investment that will bring jobs and growth now, when we need them.

"We trust that Patrick McLoughlin, the new Secretary of State, will approach the issue of HS2 with an open mind, look at the facts and the alternatives that 51m have put forward and decide to consign this project to the waste paper bin."

Stop HS2 Campaign Coordinator Joe Rukin said the group hopes to put their case to Mr McLoughlin "as soon as possible".

Mr McLoughlin, who served in the Department for Transport under Margaret Thatcher and John Major, is the fourth MP to hold the role of Transport Secretary since the HS2 project was given the go-ahead in 2010. He was preceded by Lord Adonis, Philip Hammond and Ms Greening.