Housing minister Yvette Cooper has backed the decision to appoint a chief executive to drive the regeneration of the Thames Gateway. She said: “The Thames Gateway does need a delivery boost, which will be achieved by recruiting a chief executive figure.” Andrew Dowding, md of The Gateway Forum said: “A newly elected chief executive will drive forward projects and the Thames Gateway vision will continue to grow and develop into reality under the new leadership.” The decision follows the publication of a report, Thames Gateway: Laying the Blue Line, based on a questionnaire conducted among the top 100 public and private sector groups responsible for delivering the Gateway. It noted the leader must present a “clear and compelling vision.”