April 14, 2008. Copyright 2008, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Profile of London mayor Ken Livingstone
By Joanna Griffin

LONDON, April 14, Graphic News: Some say heÕs as bendy as the buses heÕs brought to London streets, but will Ken Livingstone be able to wriggle out of a tight spot to win a third term as mayor?

Ever since he ran the GLC in the 1980s, Livingstone has made his share of enemies, including many within the Labour party. But while relations between ÒRed KenÓ and his party have blown hot and cold over the years, the son of a dancer and merchant seaman has kept a special spot in the publicÕs affection. His problem this time is that he faces a personality as big as his own, Boris Johnson, in the May 1 polls.

As mayor he has introduced the congestion charge, presided over the successful bid to host the 2012 Olympics, and even taken on the sticky issue of pigeons in Trafalgar Square. But he has also made his share of blunders. In 2003 he was suspended for a month for comparing a Jewish journalist to a guard at a Nazi concentration camp.

Livingstone goes his own way, and thatÕs why people like him. He rejoined the Labour fold in 2004, but his distinctive nasal drone can still be heard on its sidelines, speaking out against issues such as the Iraq war and Tube privatisation. On the other hand, heÕs a lifelong champion of causes such as equal rights for gays and women.

ThereÕs no shortage of people whoÕd like to see Ken leave City Hall, believing he runs it like a personal fiefdom. But many Londoners like his glib, metropolitan ways and remain convinced heÕs the only candidate with a serious vision for the capital.
/ENDS