Letters to the Editor

 

Friday, 25th  November 2005

 

Kiley Will Be 'Sorely Missed' But At What Cost?

SIR-

The recent news from the Mayors office that Transport Commissioner, Bob Kiley is to retire, I would like to pay tribute to his work and achievements thus far.

Bob Kiley has done much to reinvigorate London’s public transport network over the last few years. Mr Kiley’s honest speaking and tough approach to the problems London’s transport has faced will be sorely missed.

I am sure Londoners will join me in thanking him for his tireless work to attempt to make things better for the capital’s long suffering commuters and wish him well in his retirement. Bob Kiley started to turn transport around, but there's an enormous amount to do on London's fragile tube and rail services.

Mr Livingstone must now look for a successor to carry on with the same vigour and independence from the Mayor and the Labour government that Mr Kiley demonstrated with gusto to deliver the transport improvements that London needs.  Especially someone who can bring about urgent improvements to  the Northern (Misery) Line that has been plagued with failures recently.

I add a word of caution though that despite his work, I feel that many Londoners will not be happy if Mr Kiley receives a large pay-off which would be better spent on improving transport in the capital. The exact payments being made will certainly need investigating by the London Assembly, and I hope the Mayor will be full and frank in revealing the precise details of any payments Mr Kiley receives.

ENDS

 

  Stephanie Dearden

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Tooting

 

Notes to editors

 

'in Response to reports that London's Transport Commissioner Bob Kiley may be in receipt of up to £1.25million from Transport for London as payment after ending his contract as Commissioner early.' 

1. If you would like to arrange an interview with Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Tooting Stephanie Dearden then please call 020-7771-2551 or 07985-649807 or 07754 583090
2. Official photographs here http://www.stephaniedearden.org/smd_mugs/index.htm