Chris Grayling’s reappointment as Transport Secretary has been branded ‘a reward for failure’ by a commuter group, due to his handling of the Southern Rail crisis.

Martin Abrams of the Association of British Commuters says they’re “outraged” and a “fresh pair of eyes’ is needed”.

It’s a view echoed by the RMT’s organiser in the South East, Paul Cox, who says Grayling “lacks the political acumen and is probably out of his depth in the role.”

However, the new minister has been backed by fellow Conservative, Reigate MP Crispin Blunt, who says he “knows what he is dealing with” and is “familiar with all the issues.”

Almost 60,000 Southern passengers have taken up a special package of compensation as a result of the problems, and can now claim if their train is more than 15 minutes late.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-40255008