Greater Anglia's core contract terms is set to expire today which could potentially mean it becoming one of the first train operators nationalised by the new government. 

Due to the core contract ending, it means Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has the power to terminate the operator's deal with 12 weeks' notice. 

However, she is not expected to make any changes until Labour's nationalisation becomes law after passing through Parliament, which is expected later this year. 

But she said she would be “wasting no time” in bringing services back under public ownership.

Labour has made no secret of its plans to nationalise the railways in the UK.

Ms Haigh said: “For too long our broken railways have failed passengers day in day out with delays and cancellations.

“That’s why I am laser focused on overhauling the railways and wasting no time in bringing train operating companies back under public ownership where they belong.

“As soon as our public ownership Bill is on the statute book, we will be starting the process of public ownership by serving notice on these operators - putting an end to our wasteful and fragmented privatised railway and delivering for passengers.”

24585572Transport Secretary Louise Haigh (Image: Jordan Pettitt/PA) An expert had previously said Labour was unlikely to see the nationalisation of Greater Anglia as a priority as it is seen as one of the must successful rail providers.

Speaking previously, transport writer and former Labour candidate Christian Wolmar said: "There are two changes to the law that are needed to privatising all the companies.

"As it stands the government can only take over a company if it is seen to be failing, which Greater Anglia certainly isn't - that law will be changed in due course but I don't think those who are seen as reasonably successful will be a top target."

Greater Anglia is now owned by Transport UK, a management buyout that took over the services when Dutch-owned Abellio pulled out of the UK after the Covid pandemic. 

Changes have been in the pipeline since before that deal was done - and it is understood that senior management from the company are prepared to work with the government to ensure nationalisation benefits passengers and staff.