Challenger: Norris

Ken Livingstone has failed business, the Tories have claimed.

In the latest stage of the mayoral election race, the Conservatives argued business should be at the heart of the London mayor's agenda.

Steve Norris claimed on Wednesday that needs of business had been ignored over the past four years.

His attack came just days after Livingstone was confirmed as Labour's official candidate.

Norris also warned that the future success of the capital could be at risk and is launching a policy review aimed at tackling key issues.

Crime and transport

His agenda for business focused on high crime levels, London's creaking transport infrastructure and a lack of skills in the workforce.

Crimes such as the 40,000 burglaries of commercial premises last year are now a major cost for firms and Norris promised action.

The party claimed transport delays now cost City of London businesses alone £230 million a year.

Among the Conservatives' proposals was a pledge that firms would be consulted by every mayoral agency about new initiatives.

Challenge 

Norris challenged Ken Livingstone, claiming his initiatives had reduced the attractiveness of the capital for business.

"Livingstone has simply ignored business for the past four years. But without a thriving business and entrepreneurial sector, no city can survive," Norris said.

"We need a serious programme of action to sort out the capital's problems so that London can out-compete cities in the UK and abroad.

"The mayor also needs to set his own personal example in running City Hall - if any business was run the way Livingstone runs City Hall it would be bankrupt by now."