Ken Livingstone has been criticised for his decision to take a taxi from Blackpool to London, as it was revelaed that some London Underground fares are to rise by 5.3 per cent.

As commuters struggle to work today during another strike by tube drivers over pay, Livingstone's decision to take a cab from the Labour conference to London on Monday cost taxpayers £260.

A spokesman for the mayor insisted that the taxi was the only practical way to get to London in time for a series of meetings early the next day.

The latest price rises on the tube will begin next January and follow an increase of 11 per cent this year.