Rail minister has quit – blaming Southern woes as part of the problem

The government’s rail minister has resigned – just after telling MPs she did not believe quitting would help resolve problems with train services in South East England and London.

The Department for Transport confirmed Claire Perry had quit, but did not give reasons for her departure.

On Wednesday she said the chaos on Southern routes “feels like a failure”.

It is not yet known who will replace Ms Perry, with new Prime Minister Theresa May currently in the process of appointing her new government.