The widow of late Tottenham MP Bernie Grant has been appointed chairman of the London transport watchdog.

Former Haringey councillor Sharon Grant was appointed to London TravelWatch by the London Assembly for a four-year term starting tomorrow.

Ms Grant secured the appointment through a competitive process, the organisation said.

She said: "I am delighted to be joining London TravelWatch at such an important time for the capital.

"With the Thameslink project, Crossrail, the upgrades on the Tube and preparations for the Olympics all affecting Londoners over the next few years, a strong voice for transport users in London will continue to be of great importance."

Ms Grant’s previous posts include chairman of the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health for the last six years, and she sits on the Food Standards Agency advisory committee on consumer engagement.

She has extensive previous experience in local government and has worked as a parliamentary advisor and an academic.

Ms Grant replaces former chairman Brian Cooke, who was removed from the post in June after his endorsement of Boris Johnson’s election campaign was found to be a breach of his terms and conditions of employment.