Transport Secretary Chris Grayling caught up in train delays as Cabinet visits the North

A fire next to the East Coast Main Line between York and Doncaster is causing major disruption, with all lines currently blocked, and Mr Grayling is understood to have been caught up in delays as he travelled from a Cabinet meeting in Gateshead to the National College for High Speed Rail in Doncaster.

Other Cabinet Ministers who carried out visits North of York following the Tyneside meeting were also facing the prospect of big delays and potentially cancellations, if they were travelling by train.

The Transport Secretary has faced criticism in recent weeks after the botched introduction of new timetables on Northern rail and Govia Thameslink services caused unprecedented delays and cancellations for passengers.

It is understood that Mr Grayling made it to the college in Doncaster in time to conduct media interviews within the hour and 15 minutes that were allotted for the whole visit, which also included a meet and greet.

His visit came after the Government confirmed it would be spending £780m on upgrades to the East Coast Main Line from 2019, under plans which were already in the pipeline.

Mr Grayling was mocked by opposition politicians after being caught in train delays.

Former Transport Secretary and Labour peer Lord Adonis tweeted: "Poor Chris. The travelling public really feel for him."

Green Party co-leader Caroline Lucas posted: "Oh the irony! I do hope Chris Grayling will take his complaint to the top. Oh, hang on …"

At 6.15pm on Monday night, the National Rail website's travel advice said: "A fire next to the track between York and Doncaster is causing major disruption to journeys between these stations.

"All lines are currently blocked.

"Trains may be cancelled or delayed by up to 60 minutes.

"Disruption will continue until the end of service.

"Hull Trains services between Hull and Doncaster are also being affected by this disruption, more information is available here."