During his tenure voters have approved tax increases for an expansion of the light-rail transport system (2004), a new justice centre (2005), and a voucher programme for pre-school education (2006).

ECONOMIST: Paying for a changing city

Outlining his future transport plans on Tuesday, Mr Darling also scrapped light rail schemes in Manchester and Leeds.

BBC: NEWS | UK | England | Hampshire/Dorset | Fight goes on for supertram plan