COLCHESTER'S outgoing MP has been revealed as the new chair of a group which is calling for improvements to the A12 and A120.

Will Quince has been appointed the new chair of Transport East, succeeding Stanway councillor Kevin Bentley.

Mr Quince, who has confirmed he will not stand for re-election, emerged as the successor in a "competitive selection process".

His appointment underwent evaluation by the Government's Advisory Committee on business appointments.

Transport East's objectives include progressing investment in the A120 west at Stansted, through Braintree, via the A12 to Colchester and then to Harwich and Clacton.

The group, which was launched in 2018 under the leadership of Mr Bentley, provides important data and strategies to businesses and the central government to reduce carbon emissions in transport and improve across to the region's ports and airports.

Mr Quince said: "It’s a privilege to be selected as chair of Transport East.

"Since 2018, the organisation has grown in impact and has several notable successes including receiving endorsement from Government for its regional transport strategy, making the case for much-needed investment in the East’s rail and road networks and advocating the region’s role in the nation’s prosperity.

"I look forward to working with the Transport East Forum and team to continue driving the fantastic progress made so far. There’s much to celebrate about the East and the people who live and work here, and ensuring they are well-connected through sustainable transport is vital to the long-term success of the region."

Andrew Summers, chief executive of Transport East, said: "I’d like to welcome Will to Transport East. His knowledge and passion for the region will be instrumental to supporting Transport East and our partners improve transport connections and investment in local areas.

"Transport East has demonstrated its value regionally and nationally since launching in 2018 by advocating for investment, providing tools and evidence to local authorities and being a national centre of excellence in rural mobility. I look forward to working with Will to further enhance our role as the East’s sub-national transport body."