The elections are here.Okay,that's no news.The race for the office of the Mayor of London many believe is mainly between the incumbent,Boris Johnson and his Predecessor,Ken Livingstone whom many still root for not just because he is the first ever Mayor of London but because a lot of ethnic minorities still speak with nostalgia about his tenure in office.Ken was hosted in a fundaraising dinner at Stoke Newington,London on the 25th of February,2012 by Africans for labour,a large gathering of people of African descent from diverse background but a common goal-The British Labour Party and ensuring Ken returns to the Lodon Myoral post.
Enjoying the African funfair and food,Ken revealed his interest in Africa which dates back to the '60s.Excerpts.
'Back in 1966,when I was a very young naughty English boy,I went with my friend to Africa and my life was tranformed for ever.We travelled different countries,we learnt to dance to Hi-life,when we got to Nigeria,we camped at the Lagos beach,sleeping and waking,going to town for two weeks.Leaving our stuffs at the Beach,and it was completely safe'.
(BELOW IS INFORMATION FROM KEN CAMPAIGN WEBISTE)
I want to be Mayor for one overriding reason: if I am elected my focus will be to do everything I can to protect Londoners from the recession and the effects of the Government's policies.”
Ken is standing to be Mayor of London in 2012 to put London first and use his experience of office to get the most from what will be a difficult economic and political time for Britain and for London.
Ken’s running mate, standing to be London’s Deputy Mayor, is Val Shawcross AM.
Ken Livingstone was London’s first elected mayor from May 2000. An elected Mayor for the capital saw devolved government restored after fourteen years without a strategic authority and voice for London.
Born in Lambeth and now living in Cricklewood Ken Livingstone is a Londoner first and foremost.
From better transport and lower fares to climate change and addressing inequality, Ken has always been on the cutting edge of politics.
Find out more about Ken’s record as Mayor here and his record at the GLC here and view documents from his selection as Labour's candidate for Mayor here.
Background
Ken Livingstone was born in Streatham in 1945, attending Tulse Hill Comprehensive and working as a lab technician at Chester Beatty cancer research unit.
Since becoming the MP for Brent East he has lived in Cricklewood.
Click here for ten things you may not know about Ken.
Elected Office:
2000-2008, Mayor of London
1987-2001, Member of Parliament for Brent East
1981-1986, Leader of the Greater London Council, GLC member for Paddington
Ken has also been a borough councillor in Lambeth and Camden, and served as a GLC councillor in Hackney before Paddington. He stood as a parliamentary candidate in 1979 in Hampstead.
