Blair backs the charge

Tony Blair today unexpectedly praised the capital's congestion charge, saying that London Mayor Ken Livingstone deserved credit for its success.

In the interview, to be broadcast by London Tonight this evening, he said he has a good relationship with the Mayor - suggesting a deal may be on the cards to readmit him to the party before next June's mayoral elections.

However, Mr Blair said he believed that Labour's candidate, Nicky Gavron, would win the election.

In the interview he said the congestion charge could form the basis of future Government policy.

"I was very, very sceptical, but I think that it has made a difference, and provided that the money is ploughed back into transport then I think it is an interesting example of how we can manage transport policy for the future," he said.