Even Chris Grayling is critical of Network Rail over costly East Coast Main Line closure – The Yorkshire Post says

Nearly a fortnight after The Yorkshire Post first revealed the likely impact on major sporting events and festivals, he has belatedly expressed his regret.

Rail bosses urged by Transport Secretary Chris Grayling to avoid closures on busy weekends after August Bank Holiday row

But, typically, he put the onus on Network Rail to put in place better contingency arrangements – presumably because he, as Transport Secretary, does not run the railways.

’Staggering’ timing of East Coast Main Line closure condemned by Yorkshire event organisers

And while Mr Grayling’s call for such work to be planned more effectively reflects very badly on Network Rail’s hopelessly inadequate and ineffective communication, it was his lack of leadership that explains why he will not be missed if, as hoped, this was his last appearance at the despatch box.

Why these eight broken promises over Pacer trains here are Chris Grayling’s legacy of failure – Tom Richmond

Indeed, it is further reason why the next PM must appoint a new Transport Secretary – and preferably someone from the North who actually respects and understands the issues here.