Sadiq Khan: I fully support Garden Bridge but procurement process worries me

Green scheme: the design for the landscaped footbridge spanning the Thames

Sadiq Khan reaffirmed his support for the £175 million Garden Bridge project today after telling a private Labour party event that he will review its future if he becomes Mayor.

He told an audience at County Hall that he would decide what schemes would “carry on” only after May 5.

His reply to a questioner who was hostile to the bridge led Tory rival Zac Goldsmith to accuse Labour’s candidate of plotting to “tear up” the plans for the tourist attraction.

Mr Khan told Vauxhall Labour party members that he had concerns about the procurement process led by Boris Johnson.

He went on: “Obviously post May 5 I’ll look at all projects in relation to whether they should carry on and stuff and the Garden Bridge is one of the things I’ll be looking at in relation to, you know, the office of Mayor of London.”

A spokesman for Mr Goldsmith said: “These revelations that Sadiq Khan is ready to tear up all plans for the Garden Bridge is just another example that he is willing to experiment on London.”

Interactive map: 13 proposed river crossings for the Thames

Mr Khan said today: “I fully support the Garden Bridge.

"However, there are real concerns about the procurement process at City Hall, and these need to be fully investigated by the next Mayor.”

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