Mayor of London Sadiq Khan blamed the problems with the Metropolitan Line on this predecessor.

Mr Khan was asked how he would improve services on the tube line, which runs from Harrow-on-the-Hill to Watford, during question time by Conservative London Assembley member Susan Hall.

Ms Hall, a councillor in Hatch End, said she receives daily complaints from residents travelling along the Met line to work.

Constant track work means continious problems for commuters, she said.

Track and drainage on the line is currently being replaced to increase reliability and shorten journey times.

Mr Khan said that some of the equipment on the line dates back to 1863 adding: “Even I as mayor can’t be blamed for things dating back to 1863 although I’m sure some will try.”

Ms Hall said: “I’m sure you’ll find a way of blaming your predecessor because he seems to get the blame for everything.”

When asked what Mr Khan would say to people in Harrow about delays on the Met line he responded: “I would like to apologise profusely on behalf of the previous mayor over the last eight years for his failure to invest in TfL, agreeing to £700m worth of cuts on an annual basis while at the same time as increasing fayres by 42 per cent.

"I apologise, it will take us some time to improve this line. It’s not good enough.”

Ms Hall also expressed disappointment that she had not recieved a reply to the letter she sent to TfL.