Transport watchdog fights sack

LONDON's public transport watchdog, sacked for backing Boris Johnson for Mayor, today took his case to the Employment Tribunal.

Brian Cooke, who is claiming unfair dismissal, lost his £37,000-a-year job as chairman of London TravelWatch, and associated role at Passenger Focus, in October when the London Assembly's transport committee said his verbal attack on Ken Livingstone, days before the mayoral election, was inappropriate.

Mr Cooke said today: "My comments were made on a personal basis, which I made clear at the time. There is still such a thing as free speech in this country."

The London Assembly is defending its decision.