After more than nine years in the role the Department for Transport’s (DfT) head of future roads strategy and investment, Philip Andrews, is to step down.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in UK roads policy, Andrews issued a statement on social media that at least hinted that the decision, which will see him leave the civil service entirely, was not entirely expected.

“And here I am , in my last month in the Department for Transport and the civil service, before.. well let’s call it a reset.. a life sabbatical.. seeking new challenges…?” he posted. “9+ years in the roads seat, though have seen and done much more than that title implies: ‘right time wrong place’, or maybe wrong time, right place, more than once. But always fun and a different challenge every week. I believe I added value or, in some cases, limited the wider damage.

“I have worked with some amazing, dedicated people across the public sector and in the enlightened end of the private sector. Though the civil service can get some deserved criticisms, we should all continue to be grateful for the highly committed people who just get the stuff of government done, whether you agree or not with the direction they are pointed in by politicians or the often ridiculous constraints and processes they face.

Of his next move, Andrews chose his words carefully, adding:

“What next? I’d frame it as: I’m lucky enough to not have to rush into anything, but I’m looking to be…useful. Preferably somewhere that would benefit from someone who has seen how the Government sausage machine works but also knows how to make progress on actual delivery. If I have one passion still, it is getting people who really know what they are doing together, and then cutting through the (insert word of choice) so they can achieve. So suggestions on where I might be ‘useful’ [are] welcome of course.”

(Pic: LinkedIn)