Bob Shannon

Ken Livingstone's congestion charging scheme will be scrapped if Labour's would-be candidate Bob Shannon is elected.

The former leader of Harrow Council, who has entered the race to win Labour's nomination, has promised to scrap the controversial £5-a-day levy.

Launching his bid for the candidacy, Shannon has also promised free travel passes for under-16s and public sector workers - combined with free Tube travel for all at the weekend.

Shannon is one of three Labour politicians hoping to secure the nomination to challenge Livingstone for the mayoralty in 2004.

Also in the running is deputy mayor, Nicky Gavron, who has signed a "sweetheart" deal with Livingstone.

Former sports minister Tony Banks has also entered the race - fighting on a staunchly anti-Livingstone ticket.

The final selection for Labour's candidacy will be made before the end of the year.