First problem: a Tube strike threat

Within minutes of Alistair Darling switching jobs, he faced his first problem as Transport Secretary - the threat of strike action on the Tube.

Union leaders say they expect to order a strike ballot this week recommending 24-hour stoppages.

The RMT, largest of the rail unions, has accused London Underground of failing to consult over safety issues concerning the part privatisation of the network. Talks between LU and the union broke up today without agreement after an hour.

Bobby Law, the RMT's London regional organiser, said they had received "no assurances whatsoever" LU would consult the union over safety concerns. Union negotiators will report back to the RMT's controlling executive committee. "But we expect to be calling for industrial-action," said Mr Law.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow has accused LU of only paying "lip service" over safety consultation with the unions. Mr Crow said: "Our representatives have complained that LU has withheld information, failed to consult properly and failed to provide us with up-to-date information."

The RMT had originally given LU until 5pm tomorrow to agree a new timetable for consultation. But with mounting union anger that deadline may be brought forward. The train drivers' union Aslef is also considering ordering a strike ballot over the same issue. LU says it has consulted the unions and today's meeting is merely to hear union demands.

Other problems requiring Mr Darling's immediate attention include reshaping the 10-year transport plan which was torn up by Mr Byers and the new troubled air traffic control centre at Swanwick, which has suffered three major breakdowns this year.

What Byers has left behind

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