FORMER Wirral West MP and employment minister Esther McVey has been appointed chair of the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA).

Ms McVey - who lost her seat to Labour's Margaret Greenwood in May's General Election - will oversee the authority's work on transport security and tackling sexual violence on the rail network as part of her four-year term.

The BTPA sets the force's strategy and allocates funding.

Ms McVey, who was appointed by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin following an independent selection process, said: "With more and more people using the railways, the role of the British Transport Police in allowing people to travel safely is more important than ever.

"I am delighted to have been appointed chair of the police authority and am honoured to be taking up this role."

Mr McLoughlin said: "The security of the travelling public has never been more important and Esther McVey will bring considerable skills to this vital task.

"Although Britain has one of the safest railways in Europe we face increasing risks that mean there can be no room for complacency.

"The British Transport Police do a fantastic job keeping passengers safe and secure and I am confident that under Esther's guidance that record can continue."

Ms McVey was the Conservative MP for Wirral West from 2010 until 2015, when she failed to retain her seat in the face of hostile opposition.

The former broadcaster and journalist worked closely with Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith and fiercely defended the coalition's divisive welfare reforms, a factor which may have contributed to her defeat on Merseyside.