The mayor wants more control over commuter trains

Under the plans, the mayor could influence timings of commuter services arriving from neighbouring counties.

But Transport Select Committee chairwoman Gwyneth Dunwoody said there had not been sufficient consultation.

Minister for London Jim Fitzpatrick said the Department for Transport (DfT) had widely discussed the issue.

Ms Dunwoody made her comments during the report stage of the Greater London Authority (GLA) Bill.

Regional representatives

She said: "I do think that to slip gently into an arrangement which could have damaging effects without proper consultation would be unwise.

"If the railways are to be looked at as an extension of the London mayor's empire then there will be other areas of the country who will have something to say about the matter."

But Mr Fitzpatrick said: "The DfT has separately consulted on whether to give the mayor greater influence over rail services in an area beyond the GLA boundary.

"If this is taken forward there is a provision in the Railways Act 2005 to ensure that the mayor appoints at least two additional members from these areas outside London to the (Transport for London) board to represent the interests of rail users from these areas."

Kent County Council has expressed concern over the proposals.