So the East Coast Mainline is now back in government hands and the test as to whether the government can run rail services efficiently once begins.

To begin with the government have brought in some of the best talent from rail industry, with the top rail job at the government backed company Directly Operated Railways going to ex-First Capital Connect Elaine Holt (pictured).

It will be extremely interesting to see if this model works, however all the fever about the possibility of total renationalisation of the railways is unlikely for two reasons:

• It is likely that the Conservatives will either win the next general election or will at least increase their power in parliament, perhaps in a hung parliament.
• The government hasn’t got enough money to do it anyway!