The man who first revealed plans for HS2 has been appointed as a non executive board member to the company tasked with completing the project.

Lord Adonis, who first announced proposals to build a new high speed rail line between London and Birmingham when Transport Secretary with the last Labour government, was this week confirmed as joining the board of HS2 Ltd.

Critics say his appointment will push through the multi billion pound scheme, regardless of the numerous concerns raised about the project.

HS2 is set to cut through the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with campaigners calling for a greater use of tunnels to protect the Buckinghamshire countryside.

Announcing the appointment, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “Lord Adonis has been a huge supporter of HS2 right from the start, helping to turn the initial concept into a reality.

“I am extremely pleased that he will be joining the board of HS2 Ltd. His support and expertise will be invaluable as we move towards construction of the railway. HS2 will have a transformational effect on the country, bringing jobs and growth and is a vital part of our long term economic plan.”

Lord Adonis – whose appointment will last for three years, and leaves him contracted to work an average of two days a month - said: “HS2 is a vital project of national significance. Patrick McLoughlin has been a powerful advocate for the project and the government has risen to the challenge of thinking about the long-term by putting in place a strong team to deliver it.

“Having pioneered HS2 from the very beginning I am really pleased to join the board responsible for delivering it. We must not duck this challenge of providing Britain with a railway fit for the 21st century.”

But Penny Gaines, chair of the Stop HS2 campaign group, said: "Lord Adonis becoming a director of HS2 Ltd is clearly an act of desperation from Patrick McLoughlin. It seems the only person willing to take on the job is the one who caused the mess in the first place. So many of the problems that HS2 faces were caused by the attitude within the company, which have existed ever since it was set up by Adonis.”