Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions

Kiley removed as chairman of London Transport
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date 17 Jul 2001 00:00
source Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions
type Press release

Transport Secretary Stephen Byers today ended the appointment of Robert Kiley as Chairman and as a Member of the Board of London Regional Transport with immediate effect.

Mr Kiley was appointed Chairman of London Regional Transport on 8 May to lead negotiations on contracts for the revitalisation of London Underground. On 29 June, he wrote to the Prime Minister reporting that he had been unable to reach agreement with the bidders which met his objectives and the key criteria for modernising the Tube. In light of Mr Kiley''s inability to reach agreement with the bidders, the Government asked London Underground to proceed with their plans for improving and updating the Tube''s infrastructure within parameters acceptable to them and the bidders.

Commenting on his decision Stephen Byers said:

''When I announced the Government''s decision to ask London Transport to continue with their plans for investment in a publicly run, privately built Tube I said I wanted to work with Bob Kiley. I had hoped he would accept our decision, despite his disagreements, and work with us and London Transport to deliver a modern 21st century Tube for Londoners. Unfortunately, this hasn''t been the case.

''Mr Kiley has tried to use his Board position to block negotiations with the bidders since I announced the Government''s decision on 5 July. He has, without authority from the Board, issued instructions to senior management to halt these negotiations. This is unacceptable.

''I have today received a letter signed on behalf of a majority of the London Transport Board saying that they cannot work with Bob Kiley and thus it is impossible for the London Transport Board to function effectively.

''In light of this, I have decided to end his appointment as Chairman and as a Board Member and to re-appoint Sir Malcolm Bates as Chairman of the London Transport Board. The important thing now is for London Underground to take forward their plans for modernising the Tube. London has waited long enough to see a real improvement in the Underground.''

Mr Kiley remains Commissioner of Transport for London.

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Railhub Archive ::: 2001-07-17 DTR-001