Boris Johnson has appointed TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber, Energy UK Chief Executive Angela Knight and former Chairman of London TravelWatch, Brian Cooke to the Board of Transport for London.
The TfL board is chaired the Mayor who said the three appointees would “bring considerable expertise in trade union issues, business and customer experience to the Board; and will help me to oversee the essential job of providing Londoners with a world-class transport system that is safe, efficient, economical and reliable.”
Mr Cooke was appointed to Travelwatch in September 2004 but was removed from post in June 2008 after the London Assembly found him in breach of his employment terms and conditions.
During the 2008 Mayoral elections Mr Cooke endorsed Johnson’s candidacy and was initially announced to be appearing at the launch of his transport manifesto.
Assembly Members said his actions “compromised Travelwatch and seriously breached the conditions of his appointment.”
Asked whether board members were restricted from engaging in political activity, a spokesperson for TfL said: “The TfL Board is made up of a wide range of people with backgrounds from across the political spectrum and various industries. Members include trade unionists, a cross bench peer, and elected politicians. All Board members are required to act in the best interests of TfL and to declare their interests.”
