Boris Johnson attacked over plans to push Bakerloo line further to south-east London

 
Criticised: Boris Johnson (Picture: Getty)
Joe Murphy @JoeMurphyLondon18 September 2014

Two Labour heavyweights today accused Boris Johnson of favouring outer London with the route of a long-awaited major Tube line extension.

Shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna and former Olympics minister Tessa Jowell claim the Mayor is unfairly blocking rival plans for the Bakerloo line. Mr Johnson is launching a consultation on plans to extend to the south-east, running via Lewisham and Catford to Bromley.

The Labour MPs argue that a growing population of younger people would be served if the line goes further west instead — to Camberwell, Herne Hill and Streatham.

Mr Umunna, the Streatham MP, said: “Boris is failing in his duty as Mayor to represent the needs of all Londoners. Clearly he is so distracted by his ambition to be Tory leader he has forgotten about his actual responsibility as Mayor of London.”

In a letter to the Mayor, Ms Jowell and Mr Umunna wrote: “We were alarmed to learn that only the option of extending the Bakerloo line south-east is being considered as part of the consultation regarding a future extension of the line. At the very least, we ask that you please allow a question to be included in the consultation which specifically asks those responding whether they would prefer a south-west London option.”

A spokesman for the Mayor said: “An extension of the Bakerloo line is a top priority for the Mayor and a key part of his strategy to spur jobs and economic growth.

“He has asked Transport for London to bring forward plans for a consultation on possible route options before the end of this year.

“No final decisions have been taken on the exact route the extension will take, but the Mayor is committed to ensuring that it benefits areas that are less well-served by public transport and that it delivers the best outcomes in terms of regeneration, jobs and new homes.”

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