Transport bosses have been forced to cancel the press launch of a new bus shelter in Cricklewood after concerns were raised about the planned inclusion of a local general election candidate.
Bus boss Leon Daniels was due to officially launch the shelter at Pennine Drive/Claremont Road NW2 later this week alongside Conservative politician Mike Freer, who is standing for re-election as the local MP.
Local media outlets were also due to attend, raising concerns that Transport for London was breaking election rules banning taxpayer funds and resources from being used for political or campaigning purposes.
Those rules have forced City Hall to cancel almost all media activity until polls close on May 7th.
As well as banning Boris Johnson and the 25 London Assembly members from issuing any press statements, officials have blocked publication of the Mayor’s answers to AMs for fear that they could influence voters or aid candidates and parties in their campaigns.
In contrast, TfL has continued to issue a series of press releases, including announcing enhancements to local services and the latest routes to adopt the Mayor’s flagship New Routemaster bus.
It’s understood that the Pennine Drive media event was cancelled after opposition politicians raised concerns with the Mayor’s office and Transport for London’s lawyers.
One City Hall insider said officials should have “known better” than to plan the event during the election period.
