Exclusive: GLA Tories work with whistleblowing organisation over anti-ULEZ campaign

The City Hall Conservative group is set to work with a whistleblowing organisation on their campaign against the mayor’s proposed ULEZ expansion.

Sadiq Khan’s plan to expand the ultra low emissions zone (ULEZ) to all of outer London has sparked pushback with opponents claiming it will punish low-income Londoners.

Speaking at a recent question time event in Woodford, teacher Julie Hinds told the mayor she relied on her car to bring home marking and the new charge would “cripple” her.

And Conservative critics on the London Assembly - the body holding the mayor to account -  claim there are “serious questions” over a consultation run by TfL into the idea.

A Telegraph story suggested two-thirds of consultation respondents opposed the idea, while Khan hinted a delay could be an option, admitting he “hadn’t made his mind up”.

Now GLA Conservatives have joined with the not-for-profit organisation WhistleblowersUK as they urge people to speak out with concerns over the scheme’s consultation.

The group also says “additional TfL whistleblowers” have raised “serious integrity concerns”, which they claim cast doubt on whether the consultation is “legally compliant”.

But Labour mayor Khan hit back, insisting suggestions TfL had influenced the consultation were “categorically untrue” and a “fundamental misunderstanding”.

He said 4,000 Londoners die early each year and millions suffer respiratory illnesses due to toxic air quality, with five million people set to benefit from the ULEZ expansion.

If approved, drivers of vehicles below emissions standards would be charged £12.50 a day to drive in the ‘zone’ and it is currently set to be in force from August 2023.

The organisation says it practically supports potential whistleblowers and is campaigning for the creation of an Office of the Whistleblower to protect citizens who speak out.

Peter Fortune, deputy GLA Cons leader, said the partnership would provide “vital support” to anyone raising concerns about unethical behaviour in the Greater London Authority (GLA), the Met Police, Transport for London and elsewhere.

“WhistleblowersUK provides vital support to those who expose wrongdoing, often at the risk of their own livelihoods,” he said.

“We are delighted to be supporting their campaign to increase protections for whistleblowers.”

He added: “The Telegraph’s investigation into Sadiq Khan’s ULEZ expansion has raised serious questions about whether the consultation responses have been improperly excluded.

“Multiple whistleblowers have come forward sharing their ethical concerns and providing critical information for our investigation. This partnership will help us to give whistleblowers the support they need and encourage even more to come forward.”

Georgina Halford-Hall, WhistleblowersUK chief executive, said "We are delighted to be invited to partner with GLA Conservatives and for their support for the campaign.

“We provide a safe and confidential platform for whistleblowers, including those who are considering speaking up about the ULEZ expansion, to come forward to discuss their concerns and the best way to make reports."

Prospective whistleblowers who contact the group will be now referred to WhistleblowersUK, a GLA Tory spokesman said, for practical advice on protecting themselves and legal support.

A spokesperson for the mayor of London, said: “Any suggestion TFL sought to influence the results of this consultation are categorically untrue and demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of how consultation analyses work. Independent analysis is ongoing and a full report will be published in due course.

“It’s clear the consultation was the focus of a coordinated opposition campaign by drivers’ groups such as Fair Fuel UK, including thousands who do not live or work in London.

“It’s important that the views of all Londoners are taken into account as we move forward.”

They added: “The mayor is proud of tackling the city’s toxic air, which currently leads to 4,000 Londoners dying early every year and millions more suffering from asthma and respiratory illnesses.

“Four million Londoners are now breathing cleaner air thanks to the expansion of the ULEZ last autumn.

“An estimated five million more Londoners living in outer London are expected to benefit if the ULEZ is expanded London-wide.”