LONDON, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Britain's Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling survived a vote of no confidence in the House of Commons Tuesday by just 20 votes.
The main opposition Labour party put forward the measure over Grayling's handling of the rail network which has seen chaos, delays and cancellations following the recent introduction of a new train timetable.
MPs voted against the move by 305 to 285, securing Grayling's survival as a key member of Prime Minister Theresa May's cabinet.
Labour used its opposition day process to put forward a no confidence vote, a little used but well established parliamentary device to test whether the House of Commons supports a government minister in the carrying out of their responsibilities.
The motion also calls for the termination of two rail franchises, Govia Thameslink which serves London, as well as the Northern franchise which covers the north of England.
Andy McDonald, Labour's Shadow Transport Secretary said: "Chris Grayling has failed to fulfil his basic duty to manage our railways, and failed to take responsibility for the chaos and disruption that has affected thousands of commuters across the North of England. While officials within rail franchises have resigned and forgone bonuses, the Secretary of State has continued to pass the buck."
Charles Horton, outgoing CEO of Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), told MPs at a select committee hearing it was his personal decision to resign as a result of what he called a "systemic failure" by the rail industry.
He said that GTR only became aware of serious problems three days before the new timetables that took effect in May.
