The man overseeing the upgrade and expansion of London Underground has resigned amid a growing row over a £5bn shortfall in the public funding for the project.

Tim O’Toole, the Underground’s managing director, quits at a critical time for the network, when plans to relieve overcrowding on several lines are hanging in the balance.

His decision is a blow to Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, who was counting on O’Toole’s experience and skills to ensure that as much of the upgrade as possible survived the funding squeeze.

O’Toole had also made veiled attacks on Gordon Brown’s failure to fulfil promises made when, as Chancellor, he forced through part-privatisation of the Tube six years ago.

Financial Times, The Times