by political editor Paul Francis

A Kent MP has urged the government to put on hold the award of a new
contract to run Kent's rail services following the shock decision to
cancel the West Coast franchise.

Tonbridge and Malling MP Sir John Stanley said he was concerned events
surrounding the West Coast contract meant the arrangements for awarding
other franchises could lead to similar flaws in the process for Kent.

The Department for Transport said today the timescale for
awarding a new contract to run Kent's railways would be unaffected.

Consultation on the new integrated franchise for services across the county ended last week.

Sir John said: "I do not want the Kent franchise to go out to tender until I am satisfied that the flaws in the existing franchise system are eliminated.

"The last thing we want is an operator coming forward with a contract that will end up costing taxpayers an even greater amount of money."

Bidders for the franchise operated currently by Southeastern are due to
be shortlisted next May.

However, the news the government has cancelled its decision to award the West Coast contract to FirstGroup and pause three other franchise competitions out to tender has led to concerns that the Kent franchise may also be delayed.

A review of franchising will be conducted by Eurostar chairman Richard Brown.

Transport secretary Patrick McCloughlin said: "I have ordered two independent reviews to look urgently and thoroughly into the matter so that we know what exactly happened and how we can make sure our rail franchise programme is fit for purpose."

Rochester and Strood MP Mark Reckless said there needed to be changes to
the way franchises were awarded.

"The whole franchising system has become far too intricate and bureaucratic. The time and money spent by the DfT and companies could be
much better spent on investment in the railways.

"It should be a muchmore streamlined process."

However, he was cautious about delaying the process for awarding a new contract for Kent, saying he wanted to see what came out of the review of the West Coast decision first.

The Kent franchise will run from April 2014 until September 2020 and could see some far-reaching changes to some of the 2,058 train services a day and its 175 stations.