MP for Witney (former Prime Minister David Cameron’s previous constituency), Robert Courts takes over from Kelly Tolhurst who has moved to Housing following the surprise resignation of Simon Clarke.  The Under-Secretary of State’s portfolio had been significantly expanded during Kelly Tolhurst’s short tenure, covering Aviation, Maritime and Security, rather than purely Maritime.

Robert Courts has served as parliamentary private secretary to the Environment Secretary prior to his appointment as Minister and was a member of the House of Commons' Transport Select Committee.  He reports to Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps in his new role.

Speaking after his appointment, Robert said: "It is a huge privilege and honour to have been asked by the Prime Minister to serve as a Minister in the Department for Transport.

"I am delighted to join the Government with an exciting portfolio which includes driving forward the work of the ‘Jet Zero’ Council - a ground-breaking initiative aiming to deliver a zero-carbon transatlantic flight within a generation. I look forward to getting started with this important work."

Wikipedia states Robert Courts ‘…is also a diver, interested in the marine environment; he is a member of the Marine Conservation Society.’