The candidates in this year’s mayoral elections have had their say about the Met Line extension hitting the brakes.

Cllr Peter Taylor, who is deputy mayor and also the Liberal Democrat candidate, believes there is still light at the end of the tunnel for the project.

He said: "Today's news is clearly disappointing but this is definitely not the end of the line for the Metropolitan Line extension. In fact the government has committed an extra £77m to support this vital project.

“If I am elected as Watford's next Mayor, improving our town's transport infrastructure will be my top priority. We must have better transport to support the growth of our town. That means better bus services, facilities for cyclists and pedestrians and the better tube service which this extension will bring.

“We cannot allow this scheme to be lost because of disagreements between the Mayor of London and central government. We must fight for this scheme and make sure that it happens."

Labour candidate councillor Jagtar Singh Dhindsa, says the county council or the government should “under-write the risk” of an overspend on a such a big infrastructure project.

“This is disappointing news. The problem is that London taxpayers may carry the risk of an overspend – which is very common on big infrastructure projects like this.

“Sadiq’s responsibility is to his own taxpayers in London not Hertfordshire’s. This mess has been caused by former Tory Mayor Boris Johnson who in his cavalier way promised money he didn’t have.

“As this scheme is in Hertfordshire, the county council or the government should under-write the risk. I will be writing to the county council and Chris Grayling the Transport Minister to propose this.”

The Conservative candidate in this year’s mayoral election George Jabbour felt “disappointment” that the plans have been scrapped despite the Mr Harrington putting forward the amount needed for funding.

He said: "I am extremely disappointed that the Mayor of London is refusing to work with the Government on such an important project for Watford and London.

“Watford MP Richard Harrington has succeeded in obtaining the funding, so it beggars belief that Sadiq Khan won't use it."