Next HS2 boss could be paid more than £677,000 per year

MPs at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) have been told that the next boss of HS2 could be paid more than £677,000.

Despite the project having been curtailed, the salary which will be offered for the currently vacant role is to be considered by MPs.

In October the government took away HS2 responsibility for Euston Station and cut plans to extend the railway to Manchester from Birmingham.

Speaking to the PAC, Sir Jon Thompson, executive chairman of HS2 Ltd told MPs that the question is what salary will be paid.

In September Mark Thurston left his role and received a pay package worth £677,000 for the 2022/2023 financial year.

Sir Jon told MPs, “The only outstanding issue is the question of salary, which is currently with ministers.

“My recommendation to ministers is that we change the reward structure so that it’s much more heavily incentivised towards meeting the schedule and delivering to the lowest possible cost.

“So it will be a lower base than Mr Thurston but there will be more opportunity to earn a higher salary if you meet all the necessary targets on schedule and cost.

“That is currently under consideration by ministers.”