Zac Goldsmith called for Transport for London to be classified as an “important public service” under the Government’s controversial Trade Union Bill to make it harder for workers to strike. The Tory mayoral candidate said tougher strike ballot rules should be put in place to protect Londoners from unnecessary disruption. The move could put the transport system on level pegging with other “important public services” such as schools, hospitals, the fire service, nuclear energy and border security. It is likely to anger union chiefs, but be popular with Londoners fed up with disruption caused by strikes.

Mr Goldsmith said: “I am urging the Government to have Transport for London classified as important public service, requiring a higher threshold before strike action can take place."

“The legitimate right to strike shouldn’t be used lightly — it is reasonable that strikes should be genuinely supported by a majority of union members. This matters because the people hardest hit are the lowest paid; part-time and shift workers who lose a whole day’s pay because they can’t get to work. “