The Guardian reports the resignation of Bob Kiley :
London transport chief quits after rowHugh Muir
Friday November 25, 2005
The GuardianBob Kiley, the capital's transport commissioner, has quit after a power struggle with Ken Livingstone over the stewardship of the body responsible for the London's roads, buses and tubes.
The American, instrumental in the mayor's congestion charge scheme and bus network expansion, stood down after a clash over a member of staff that he wanted removed but whom the mayor wanted to keep. "It got to the stage of either he goes or I go," a source close to the mayor told the Guardian. "The mayor's answer was not what Kiley expected."
Who exactly is this creature of Ken Livingstone's who has prompted Kiley's resignation ?
The millions of pounds which have been and will continue to be paid to Bob Kiley do not seem to reflected in a proportionate improvement in London's transport systems.
Mr Kiley, 70, will leave in January with a package worth more than £1m . He will continue as the "principal transport adviser" to the mayor until 2008, the end of the Mr Livingstone's current term. His contract was due to run until 2009/10.The former CIA agent will also be allowed to remain in the Belgravia townhouse bought for £2.1m by TfL on his appointment four years ago. One source last night told the Guardian that the fees will spark a row when made public. "The figures are big. You could say obscene," he said.
Will any replacement as transport commissioner demand even more money in order to work with Ken Livingstone ?
I totally agree, it is outrageous that someone can be paid so much of our taxpayers' money for such a poor service. Rumour has it he will keep his £2.1 million Belgravia home too { http://www.londonersagainstlivingstone.co.uk/2005/12/kens-busy-day.html ). Ken Livingstone has a lot to answer for.