Controversial high speed line 'to ease housing crisis'

. Credit: Press Association

The new boss of HS2 is facing the biggest challenge of his career but Sir David Higgins has the CV to back it up. Sir David is a former Chief Executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority.

He is credited with delivering London's Olympic Park on time, under budget and in the face of widespread scepticism. HS2 will test his skills but he believes he can repeat his Olympic success.

One of the proposed sites of an HS2 hub Credit: Press Association

Sir David wants to cut the cost of HS2 and speed-up the construction project. Selling HS2 to the public will not be easy but he hopes to convince the doubters.

On his first day in charge, Sir David claimed HS2 would help ease London's housing crisis by taking the heat out of the property market. A new man, a new message.

Read more: Businesses make the case against the HS2 link