Steve Norris set for comeback at the helm of Crossrail

Former Tory mayoral candidate Steve Norris is expected to become chairman of Crossrail in a return to public life, it can be revealed today.

The man who lost out to Ken Livingstone four years ago will also take a seat on the board of both Transport for London and the London Development Agency.

He will act as a liaison between the two organisations. While the details have not yet been finalised, it is thought Mr Norris will retain some of his outside interests, although he is expected to leave his post as adviser to Canary Wharf on infrastructure projects.

The Crossrail job is a significant position which would see the former transport minister overseeing
the £16 billion rail project vital to London's financial future.

Mr Livingstone has warned that Mr Johnson will not be able to handle such big economic decisions.

The Mayor said: "I am keen for Steve to have a seat on the LDA and TfL and to ensure coordination
between the two. He is immensely committed to London and has a very impressive track-record in both the areas of transport and economics."

After an hour-long meeting about the new jobs at City Hall yesterday, the appointments are expected to be announced soon.

No final decision has been made on the Crossrail role but Mr Norris is said to be "keen'" to take the jobs.