Bright's Blog

Ken to run in 2012

Posted by Martin Bright - 10 June 2008 11:34

Livingstone refuses to roll over and join the lecture circuit

I have now heard from two sources that Ken Livingstone is telling anyone who will listen that he intends to run for London mayor again in 2012. This is a miserable prospect for Labour. But you have to take your hat off to Livingstone for his stubborn refusal to admit defeat. Livingstone, who turns 63 later this week, will be 66 in the run-up to the next mayoral election. Perhaps the time to retire gracefully?

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8 comments from readers

SD 10 June 2008 at 15:01

A foolish decision by Livingstone. Like many politicians on the way out, or who have just been around for too long, he does not seem to be able to admit that his day is over. The Labour Party would be ill-advised to let him run as their candidate. If he chooses to run independently, I'm not so sure that the London electorate would vote for him in the numbers they once did. The political conditions won't be the same a second time around - e.g. an unpopular Blair government being seen to pick on an individual politician. Therefore, he would only serve to split the left-wing vote and let Johnson back into power.

London is not a Labour city - it is a weathervain city and if we are 2 years into a Conservative government in 2012, then Labour should choose a credible local candidate who won't scare the children and the horses!

Martin Bright
10 June 2008 at 15:48

My goodness. A sensible, well-reasoned and clearly-expressed comment. Has the world gone mad?

knave
10 June 2008 at 18:37