Livingstone warns tube bidders

Bidders for the part-privatisation of London Underground dismissed as political posturing London Mayor Ken Livingstone's renewed threats to take the project to a judicial review.

Livingstone made clear that if the Government persisted in privatising the Tube's infrastructure he would consider challenging the project in court. But bidders were unimpressed by Livingstone's threats.

"We believe the Government is standing firm and we are going ahead as normal. The bids will prove to be good value for money so there will be no need for a judicial review," said Metronet chief executive Rod Hoare.

A leading rail consultant said: "Livingstone is marking out his territory. A judicial review will slow the process up and delay any investment in the Tube. That would seriously damage his popularity with London's commuters. He won't want that."