UK appoints Euro-sceptic steam train enthusiast as Shipping Minister

Following his appointment the UK Chamber of Shipping shared some of Goodwill's personal and political specifics.

Goodwill is a traditional conservative, with a strong Euro-sceptic view. Despite his years on the EU payroll as a Member of Europe Parliament, he believes in recovering sovereign powers from the union.

Soon after being elected 10 years ago, Goodwill joined the Transport Select Committee, and has since served as shadow transport minister. Since a reshuffle in October 2013 he was parliamentary under secretary of state at the Department for Transport.

According to the UK Chamber, Quaker-educated Goodwill is "a steam train enthusiast, and his own steam train can often be seen at traction engine conventions and events in Yorkshire. His 'Sentinel' is easily recognisable as it sports the slogan 'Keep the Pound'. He also has a 1907 Fowler Steam Ploughing Engine."

After reading agriculture at Newcastle University, Goodwill returned to work as a farmer on his family's farm, learning to speak French, German and some Russian along the way.