01 June 2001
The judicial review has been delayed from June 12 to July 23, while transport commissioner Bob Kiley continues his negotiations with the government's preferred PPP bidders.
London Mayor Ken Livingstone said: 'The case has been adjourned to allow Bob Kiley's negotiations with the bidders to continue. If those negotiations do not succeed in modifying the PPP to accommodate the requirements which Mr Kiley has advised are essential for safety and efficiency, then we remain committed to challenging the PPP in court.'
Kiley was handed control of the PPP talks following his appointment as chair of London Transport after a personal intervention from Tony Blair on May 4.
The delay came as a transport pressure group formed by London's business leaders contacted all the capital's parliamentary candidates calling for a £700m government subsidy for the network and an immediate settlement of the talks.
The Get London Moving group was created by London First and the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry with the backing of the Confederation of British Industry to lobby for a reliable and efficient transport network.
Clare Convey, spokeswoman for London First, said: 'We're trying to get transport up the agenda. It doesn't seem to be the electoral issue it should be.'
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