Rail boss linked to top official

Arriva Trains Wales executive's partner responsible for monitoring franchise

An assembly government official in charge of monitoring a rail franchise is in a relationship with a top train boss, it has emerged.

The senior official is said to be living with the managing director of Arriva Trains Wales.

Opposition assembly members are demanding a meeting with the assembly government about the issue.

But the assembly government said stringent processes are in place to avoid any conflict of interest issues.

Alison Teague is responsible for monitoring the £100m Arriva Trains Wales franchise for the assembly government.

Whatever procedures are in place, and whatever the integrity of the individuals in question, there is a clear conflict of interest Kirsty Williams

Her partner Tim Bell was appointed managing director of Arriva Trains Wales last December.

The shadow minister for the economy and transport, Welsh Conservative AM David Melding has said he wanted a discussion with Deputy First Minister and Transport Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones about any possible conflict of interest.

"The assembly government needs to explain whether it thinks this position is appropriate given the size of the Arriva Trains Wales franchise," he said.

"I am seeking an urgent meeting with the transport minister to discuss this situation.

"I am confident guidance is in place to prevent potential conflicts of interest or the appearance of such conflicts.

Processes

In a statement the train company said: "Arriva Trains Wales understands that the Welsh Assembly Government was made aware of this matter when Tim Bell was appointed managing director and has put processes into place to avoid potential conflict of interest."

The Welsh liberal democrat's transport spokeswoman Kirsty Williams, AM, said there was a clear conflict of interest, and the public would question the situation.

"I find it incredible that the minister could think it acceptable that the official with responsibility for ensuring value for money for the taxpayer from the subsidies received by Arriva Trains Wales shares a home with the boss of the company.

"Whatever procedures are in place, and whatever the integrity of the individuals in question, there is a clear conflict of interest, which raises questions in people's minds."

The Wales and borders train franchise includes all local and regional passenger rail services within Wales, services from Cardiff to Hereford, Shrewsbury and Manchester, and those from Wales to Birmingham, north-west England and the west country.

In October 2006 Arriva Trains Wales was ranked seventh best in Britain out of 21 companies with an above average 89.9 % of trains on time according to Network Rail statistics.

Welsh Assembly Government