Aslef leader calls Grant Shapps a liar in row over rail strikes

Mick Whelan denied transport secretary's claim of unofficial strikes on Avanti West Coast trains

The leader of the rail drivers' union has called Grant Shapps a liar over allegations the union was pushing an unofficial strike" relating to overtime shifts.

The transport secretary tweeted that passengers using Avanti West Coast services should expect disruption on Sunday because of unofficial strikes. Aslef said that it had not pushed any industrial action on Sunday and said the shortage of services was because of the shortage of drivers.