Lemley back to US by Monday

Jack Lemley, who resigned as chair of the Olympic Delivery Authority yesterday, is expected back in the office of his US company on Monday. A senior associate at the Idaho HQ of Lemley Associates expressed “confusion” regarding the reason for his return but added his boss would add crucial weight to impending crunch pitches.

Lemley Associates is bidding for a $16bn project to programme manage a new subway line in New York City, the Second Avenue line. It is also pitching to build a $7bn tunnel under the Hudson to link the city with New Jersey and a $2bn scheme to extend the city’s number seven line.

Steve White, senior associate at the construction consultancy, said: “We are getting to the final stages of selection and it was thought (Lemley) should be here to meet and greet. He felt we needed more heavyweight behind us.”

But he was “a little bit confused as to why Lemley feels his work here is more important than (in London).” Lemley’s surprise withdrawal from the ODA was announced on Wednesday. He has been replaced temporarily by Sir Roy McNulty, the ODA board’s deputy chairman.

White added: “We need all the help we can get right now. Jack built the Channel Tunnel and we need someone who can do those kind of major projects. We are very enthusiastic about the better opportunities this will bring.”