After the failure of the West Coast Mainline procurement process due to ‘technical flaws’, ministers are to enter into talks with the Virgin which would see the company enter into a temporary contract to run the service while another procurement process is developed.

The Department for Transport revealed to the London Stock Exchange, that it hoped that Virgin would continue to run the rail line for 9 to 13 months.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "I believe Virgin remaining as operator for a short period of time is the best way to do this and my officials and I will be working flat out to make this happen."