Boris Johnson today gave a warning that Ken Livingstone would "drag us back to the age of neglect and waste" and damage London's economy.
The Mayor made the comments as it emerged that a Northern line extension of the London Underground could deliver up to £8 billion in growth to
the British economy, far more than previously forecast.
A report by Volterra Partners - commissioned by Transport for London and local councils - says the economic benefit of two new stations, in the Battersea and Nine Elms area, would pay for the plan three times over. The first trains could be running by 2018, easing Vauxhall commuter congestion.
Mr Johnson said: "The Northern line extension to Battersea, like the London Overground, is vital to improving London's daily journeys and fundamental to creating jobs and growing London's economy.
"For too long our transport network suffered from waste and neglect. We have now cut that waste, made solid our finances and secured £22 billion in investment for Crossrail and the Tube upgrades." The Mayor is fighting to show that he is the candidate who will deliver the best infrastructure investment.
His move comes after Mr Livingstone was criticised for saying in an after-dinner speech: "Hang a banker a week until the others improve."
He defended his remarks as part of a "light speech", but Mr Johnson said: "We can't bash some of our most important sectors, which drive growth and create jobs while putting at risk investment."
Mr Livingstone also slammed plans by Mr Johnson to further reduce his council tax share if re-elected, saying his pledge "amounts to a saving of just £30. That's barely enough to cover the cost of a weekly zone 1-2 Travelcard."
He added: "It shows how out of touch with ordinary Londoners the Tory Mayor has become."
