Former LU boss Tim O'Toole in line to run Tube Lines

A highly respected former London Underground boss is set to become chief executive of maintenance firm Tube Lines.

The private firm, which is responsible for the upgrade of the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines, has held discussions with Tim O'Toole, the Standard can confirm.

A Tube Lines spokeswoman said: "I can confirm that we are in contractual negotiations with Tim O'Toole over the chief executive's job. We are hoping to conclude these discussions soon."

Mr O'Toole, 54, spent six years as LU managing director but quit last April to return to America, where his wife and grown-up children live. But he told the Standard of his "regrets" on leaving the £450,000-a-year post and his return would be a major coup for Tube Lines, which has been fiercely criticised for delays in upgrading the Jubilee line.

Brian Coleman, Tory London Assembly member for Barnet and Camden, described Mr O'Toole as a "class act".