The Tories say the mayor is planning a 7.2% increase

The Conservatives are calling for all London Assembly (LA) members to form an opposition coalition.

This would enable them to reject Ken Livingstone's budget and halt plans to increase the mayor's precept - the levy on councils which pays for the LA.

The Tories say the mayor is proposing a 7.2% increase, adding �17.16 to the average council tax bill in London.

Of the 25 Assembly members, 17 must vote against the mayor in order for his budget to be rejected.

If a coalition is successful, the mayor would be forced to change the budget significantly or accept the Assembly's alternative proposals.

Conservative spokesman, Andrew Pelling, said: "Council tax has doubled and fares have soared since the Mayor came to power in 2000. "That is why the Conservatives pledge their willingness to work with all parties to rein in the Mayor's endless spending."