Southern rail could be temporarily renationalised under government plans drawn up to deal with the “appalling” delays and cancellations which have hit hundreds of thousands of passengers.

The Department for Transport is considering options which could see them take direct control of Govia Thameslink, the company which runs Southern.

An official investigation is close to deciding whether Southern’s performance is so poor that it has breached the terms of its contract with the Government.

If it is found to be in breach, one option, known as a “managed exit”, would involve officials taking temporary control of the franchise while a new operator is found.