Transport for London PR chief quits

Colin Douglas, director of communications at Transport for London -- which is currently embroiled in a lengthy spat with the government over the running of the tube -- has announced he is to quit after just six months.

His decision comes just two months after a similar setback for mayor Ken Livingstone's PR machine when Greater London Authority director of communications Charlotte Rowe announced her resignation.

A GLA spokeswoman at the time said Rowe was disappointed with working in the public sector (PRWeek, 28 September).

As with Rowe, Douglas is not leaving to take another job. He said: "I'm leaving for personal reasons, I'll be taking a bit of a break then looking around at the options."

Anxious to avoid accusations of a clash of personalities with transport commissioner Bob Kiley and Livingstone, he added that he enjoyed working in the public sector and that he had been at TfL during a time when interesting issues were being thrown up.

Head of media relations Lesley McLeod will take over until a permanent replacement is found.

Meanwhile, the investment promoter the London Development Agency is looking to create its first PR team, which will include a head of communications, marketing and public affairs.

The successful postholder will be expected to shape and implement the agency's internal and external communications strategies.

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