The managing director of under-fire train operator Avanti West Coast has stepped down from his role, it was confirmed tonight. Phil Whittingham will leave his position on September 15 to 'pursue other executive leadership opportunities'.
The company has come in for fierce criticism from passengers and politicians alike after changing its timetabled services, with the Mayor of Greater Manchester saying last week he would call for Avanti's contract to be taken away unless it restores full services across Manchester.
Andy Burnham spoke of reports of passengers caught up in 'dangerous stampedes' for Manchester-bound trains at London Euston as he issued the operator with an ultimatum over a return to its original timetable.
