Directorate Change

18 December 2002

                                FIRSTGROUP PLC                                 

                                NEW APPOINTMENT                                

FirstGroup is pleased to announce the appointment of Martyn Williams as the
Non-Executive Employee director of FirstGroup with effect from 1 January 2003.
Martyn was nominated to this position by the Group's employee representatives
and currently works in the Group's Bus operations in Swansea as customer
services supervisor. He is 48 years old and has worked for the Group and its
predecessors since 1978. He will replace George Law, who will be retiring as
Non-Executive Employee Director on 31 December 2002.

Martyn currently has interests in 1,751 shares in the Company.

Commenting, Moir Lockhead, Group Chief Executive said:

'I would like to thank George for his contribution to the Group as Employee
Director over the last 3 years. I would also like to take this opportunity to
welcome Martyn to the Board and wish him every success in his new role.'

Contacts:

Michael Mitchell, Director of Corporate Communications 020 7291 0508