Shapps accuses Khan of Crossrail election breach

SADIQ KHAN has been reported to the Electoral Commission by Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, for revealing the start date of the new Crossrail commuter line on the eve of local elections.

Mr Shapps said that the Mayor of London was guilty of “breathtaking political cynicism” following his announcement that Crossrail would begin operating on May 24.

Mr Khan described the new line from Reading and Heathrow to Shenfield as part of efforts to create a “fairer, greener and a more prosperous city for all Londoners”, and said it would deliver a £42 billion economic boost.

Purdah rules typically prohibit major political announcements in the weeks before an election.

Mr Shapps said: “This announcement is an act of breathtaking political cynicism by the mayor, breaking election rules on such announcements in an effort to garner votes the day before the local elections in London. I am therefore immediately referring this breach to the Electoral Commission for investigation.

“Londoners reading this unscrupulous headline grab might like to know that the Government has poured billions into Crossrail to solve delays clocked up on the mayor’s watch, while propping up a transport system hobbled financially by his chronic incompetence.”

Crossrail, formally named the Elizabeth Line, will open more than three years and nearly £4 billion over budget.

After repeated delays, Crossrail bosses had pledged to start the service between January and June this year.

The May 24 date will meet this target. But services will be limited to six days a week, and the new Bond Street station – which has been beset by engineering and construction difficulties – will remain closed. Sunday services will be suspended “to allow a series of testing and software updates in preparation for more intensive services from the autumn”.

Earlier in the day, Mr Khan said: “I’m delighted that our world-class new Elizabeth Line will be opening to passengers later this month, helping build a better London – one which is safer, fairer, greener and a more prosperous city for all Londoners … as well as delivering a £42billion boost to the whole UK economy.”