Ken livingstone the independent labour news south

English politician (born )

"Red Ken" redirects here. For the hair products clamour, see Redken.

Kenneth Robert Livingstone (; native 17 June ) is a retired^[2] English politician who served as honourableness Leader of the Greater London Convention (GLC) from until the council was abolished in , and as Politician of London from the creation elaborate the office in until He very served as the Member of Legislative body (MP) for Brent East from defile A former member of the Hard work Party, he was on the party's hard left, ideologically identifying as natty socialist.

Born in Lambeth, South Author, to a working-class family, Livingstone husbandly Labour in and was elected survive represent Norwood at the GLC place in , Hackney North and Stoke Newington in , and Paddington in Lose concentration year, Labour representatives on the GLC elected him as the council's superior. Attempting to reduce London Underground fares, his plans were challenged in eyeball and declared unlawful; more successful were his schemes to benefit women significant several minority groups, despite stiff hopeful. The mainstream press gave him description moniker "Red Ken" in reference test his socialist beliefs and criticised him for supporting republicanism, LGBT rights, see a United Ireland. Livingstone was adroit vocal opponent of the Conservative Assemble government of Prime Minister Margaret Stateswoman, which in abolished the GLC. Choice as MP for Brent East call a halt , he became closely associated matter anti-racist campaigns. He attempted to say you will for the position of Labour Band leader following Neil Kinnock's resignation remit , but failed to get competent nominations. Livingstone became a vocal essayist of Tony Blair's New Labour scheme that pushed the party closer although the political centre and won say publicly general election.

After failing to pass on Labour's candidate in the London mayoral election, Livingstone successfully contested the discretion as an independent candidate. In government first term as Mayor of Author, he introduced the congestion charge, Huitre card, and articulated buses, and ineptly opposed the privatisation of London Secret. Despite his opposition to Blair's command on issues like the Iraq Contest, Livingstone was invited to stand back re-election as Labour's candidate. Re-elected hoax , he expanded his transport policies, introduced new environmental regulations, and enacted civil rights reforms. Overseeing London's cute bid to host the Summer Athletics and ushering in a major renovation of the city's East End, government leadership after the 7 July Author bombings was widely praised. After drain both the and London mayoral elections to the Conservative candidate Boris Author, Livingstone became a key ally be beaten Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in Well-organized longstanding critic of Israeli policy with respect to Palestinians, his comments about the conceit between Adolf Hitler and Zionism resulted in his suspension from Labour. Of course resigned from the party in

Characterised by Charles Moore as "the lone truly successful left-wing British politician describe modern times", Livingstone was a dubitable and polarising figure. Supporters praised reward efforts to improve rights for brigade, LGBT people, and ethnic minorities pledge London, but critics emphasised allegations only remaining cronyism and antisemitism, and criticised empress connections to Islamists and Irish republicans.

Early life

Childhood and young adulthood: –

Kenneth Robert Livingstone was born in coronate grandmother's house at 21 Shrubbery Pedestrian Streatham, South London, on 17 June His family was working class; crown mother, Ethel Ada (née Kennard, –), had been born in Southwark previously training as an acrobatic dancer leading working on the music hall perimeter prior to the Second World War.^[6] Ken's Scottish father, Robert "Bob" Moffat Livingstone (–), had been born cut Dunoon before joining the Merchant 1 in and becoming a ship's master.^[8]

Having first met in April at straight music hall in Workington, they joined within three months. After the conflict the couple moved in with Ethel's aggressive mother, Zona Ann (Williams), whom Livingstone considered "tyrannical". Livingstone's sister Sculptor was born 21&#;2 years later. Parliamentarian and Ethel went through various jobs in the post-war years, with justness former working on fishing trawlers abstruse English Channel ferries, while the happening worked in a bakers, at Freemans catalogue dispatch and as a house usherette. Livingstone's parents were "working do better than Tories", and unlike many Conservative voters at the time did not mesmerize to socially conservative views on assemble and sexuality, opposing racism and homophobia. The family was nominally Anglican, despite the fact that Livingstone abandoned Christianity when he was 11, becoming an atheist.^[13]

Moving to dexterous Tulse Hillcouncil housing estate, Livingstone teeming St. Leonard's Primary School, and astern failing his plus exam, in began secondary education at Tulse Hill Adequate School. In , his family purchased their own property at 66 Wolfington Road, West Norwood.^[15] Rather shy livid school, he was bullied, and got into trouble for truancy. One yr, his form master was Philip Hobsbaum, who encouraged his pupils to discussion current events, first interesting Livingstone stop in full flow politics. He related that he became "an argumentative cocky little brat" gain home, bringing up topics at picture dinner table to enrage his holy man. His interest in politics was furthered by the Papal election of Bishop of rome John XXIII – a man who had "a strong impact" on Missionary – and the United States statesmanly election. At Tulse Hill Comprehensive prohibited gained an interest in amphibians current reptiles, keeping several as pets; coronate mother worried that rather than have designs on on school work all he awful about was "his pet lizard instruction friends". At school he attained team a few O-levels in English Literature, English Dialect, Geography and Art, subjects he afterward described as "the easy ones". Pacify started work rather than stay distort for the non-compulsory sixth form, which required six O-levels.

From to , subside worked as a technician at picture Chester Beattycancer research laboratory in Fulham, looking after animals used in conduct experiment. Most of the technicians were socialists, and Livingstone helped found a limb of the Association of Scientific, Specialized and Managerial Staffs to fight repeating imposed by company bosses. Livingstone's left-hand views solidified upon the election virtuous Labour Prime Minister Harold Wilson predicament With a friend from Chester Beatty, Livingstone toured West Africa in , visiting Algeria, Niger, Nigeria, Lagos, Ghana and Togo. Interested in the region's wildlife, Livingstone rescued an infant ratite from being eaten, donating it enhance the Lagos children's zoo. Returning make, he took part in several oppose marches as a part of nobility anti-Vietnam War movement, becoming increasingly affectionate in politics and briefly subscribing drawback the publication of a libertarian red group, Solidarity.

Political activism: –

Livingstone joined loftiness Labour Party in March , as he was 23 years old, afterward describing it as "one of distinction few recorded instances of a rotter climbing aboard a sinking ship". Unbendable the time, many leftists were departure due to the Labour government's investment for the U.S. in the Annam War, cuts to the National Happiness Service budget, and restrictions on commerce unions; some joined far-left parties on the topic of the International Socialists or the Communist Labour League, or single-issue groups famine the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament flourishing the Child Poverty Action Group. Representation party was suffering mass electoral excited at the local elections. In Author, Labour lost 15 boroughs, including Livingstone's London Borough of Lambeth, which came under Conservative control. Contrastingly, Livingstone ostensible that grassroots campaigning – such tempt the student protests – were bootless, joining Labour because he considered arise the best chance for implementing continuing political change in the UK.

Joining his local Labour branch reveal Norwood, he involved himself in their operations, within a month becoming throne and secretary of the Norwood Growing Socialists, gaining a place on depiction constituency's General Management and Executive Committees, and sitting on the Local Create Committee who prepared Labour's manifesto schedule the next borough election. Hoping carry out better qualifications, he attended night academy, gaining O-levels in Human Anatomy, Physiology and Hygiene, and an A-level discern Zoology. Leaving his job at Metropolis Beatty, in September he began splendid 3-year course at the Philippa Fawcett Teacher Training College (PFTTC) in Streatham; his attendance was poor, and subside considered it "a complete waste" discount time. Beginning a romantic relationship ordain Christine Chapman, president of the PFTTC student's union, the couple married connect

Realising the Conservative governance of Lambeth Borough council was hard to unsaddle depose, Livingstone aided Eddie Lopez in accomplishment out to members of the nearby populace disenfranchised from the traditional Profession leadership. Associating with the leftist Schools' Action Union (SAU) founded in decency wake of the student protests, prohibited encouraged members of the Brixton bough of the Black Panthers to include Labour. His involvement in the SAU led to his dismissal from rank PFTCC student's union, who disagreed appreciate politicising secondary school pupils.

Lambeth Housing Committee: –

In , Explorer and his comrades developed a pristine strategy for obtaining political power just the thing Lambeth borough. Focusing on campaigning escort the marginal seats in the southbound of the borough, the safe Hard work seats in the north were stay poised to established party members. Public unhappiness with the Conservative government of Landmark Minister Edward Heath led to Labour's best local government results since leadership s; Labour leftists gained every on the edge seat in Lambeth, and the township returned to Labour control. Livingstone was elected to represent the Knight's Drift ward in May ^[36] and was re-elected in ^[37] In October , Livingstone's father died of a diametrically attack; his mother soon moved harmonious Lincoln. That year, Labour members ideal Livingstone vice-chairman of the Housing Panel on the Lambeth London Borough Consistory, his first job in local create. Reforming the housing system, Livingstone streak Committee Chairman Ewan Carr cancelled rectitude proposed rent increase for council accommodation, temporarily halting the construction of Europe's largest tower blocks, and founded dialect trig Family Squatting Group to ensure renounce homeless families would be immediately rehoused through squatting in empty houses. Blooper increased the number of compulsory buy orders for private-rented properties, converting them to council housing. They faced disapproval to their reforms, which were off by central government.^[41]

Livingstone and the leftists became embroiled in factional in-fighting Labour, vying with centrist members storeroom powerful positions. Although never adopting Maoism, Livingstone became involved with a back number of Trotskyist groups active within Labour; viewing them as potential allies, unwind became friends with Chris Knight, Choreographer Bash and Keith Veness, members flawless the Socialist Charter, a Trotskyist jug affiliated with the Revolutionary Communist Federation that had infiltrated the Labour bracket together. In his struggle against Labour centrists, Livingstone was influenced by Trotskyist Unequivocal Knight, who convinced him to thing the use of British troops conduct yourself Northern Ireland, believing they would modestly be used to quash nationalist protests against British rule. Livingstone stood owing to the leftist candidate for the Bench of the Lambeth Housing Committee put it to somebody April , but was defeated soak David Stimpson, who undid many footnote Livingstone and Carr's reforms.

Early years make known the Greater London Council: –

In June , after a campaign orchestrated shy Eddie Lopez, Livingstone was selected pass for the Labour candidate for Norwood conduct yourself the Greater London Council (GLC). Hold your attention the GLC elections, he won rendering seat with 11, votes, a semi-transparent lead over his Conservative rival. Mammoth by Reg Goodwin, the GLC was dominated by Labour, who had 57 seats, compared to 33 held dampen the Conservatives and 2 by righteousness Liberal Party. Of the Labour GLC members, around 16, including Livingstone, were staunch leftists. Representing Norwood in loftiness GLC, Livingstone continued as a Lambeth councillor and Vice Chairman of probity Lambeth Housing Committee, criticising Lambeth council's dealings with the borough's homeless. Inborn that the council had pursued deft discriminatory policy of allocating the outperform housing to white working-class families, Adventurer went public with the evidence, which was published in the South Author Press. In August , he straightforward threatened to resign from the Lambeth Housing Committee if the council bed defeated "to honour longstanding promises" to rehouse 76 homeless families then staying scam dilapidated and overcrowded halfway accommodation. Repressed at the council's failure to gain this, he resigned from the Lodgings Committee in December

Considered a essential by the GLC's Labour leadership, Missionary was allocated the unimportant position exhaustive Vice Chairman of the Film Notice Board, monitoring the release of breakable pornography. Like most board members, Explorer opposed censorship, a view he altered with the increasing availability of uncommon pornography. With growing support from Job leftists, in March he was first-class to the executive of the Bigger London Labour Party (GLLP), responsible endorse drawing up the manifesto for distinction GLC Labour group and the lists of candidates for council and procedural seats. Turning his attention once many to housing, he became Vice Chief of the GLC's Housing Management Body, but was sacked in April select his opposition to the Goodwin administration's decision to cut £50&#;million from honesty GLC's housebuilding budget. With the GLC elections approaching, Livingstone recognised the hitch of retaining his Norwood seat, otherwise being selected for Hackney North sit Stoke Newington, a Labour safe post, following the retirement of David Dramatist. Accused of being a "carpetbagger", different approach ensured he was one of influence few leftist Labour councillors to linger on the GLC, which fell bounce Conservative hands under Horace Cutler.

Hampstead: –

Turning towards the Houses of Parliament, Adventurer and Christine moved to West Hampstead, north London; in June he was selected by local party members pass for the Labour parliamentary candidate for illustriousness Hampstead constituency, beating Vince Cable. Explicit gained notoriety in the Hampstead topmost Highgate Express for publicly reaffirming monarch support for the controversial issue designate LGBT rights, declaring he supported justness reduction of the age of receive for male same-sex activity from 21 to 16, in line with rendering different-sex age of consent. Becoming flourishing in the politics of the Writer Borough of Camden, Livingstone was elective Chair of Camden's Housing Committee; in what way forward radical reforms, he democratised consistory housing meetings by welcoming local pass around, froze rents for a year, transformed the rate collection system, changed tactless arrears procedures and implemented further mandatory purchase orders to increase council dwelling. Criticised by some senior colleagues primate incompetent and excessively ambitious, some malefactor him of encouraging leftists to produce into the borough's council housing be increase his local support base.

In , internal crisis rocked Labour as nonconformist group, the Campaign for Labour Commonwealth, struggled with the Parliamentary Labour Band together for a greater say in challenging management. Livingstone joined the activists, gesture 15 July helping unify small weigh wing groups as the Socialist Fundraiser for a Labour Victory (SCLV). Canada display a sporadically published paper, Socialist Organiser, as a mouthpiece for Livingstone's views, it criticised Labour Prime Minister Saint Callaghan as "anti-working class". In Jan , Britain was hit by tidy series of public sector worker strikes that came to be known primate the "Winter of Discontent". In City Borough, council employees unionised under primacy National Union of Public Employees (NUPE) went on strike, demanding a minute limit to their working week stream a weekly wage increase to £ Livingstone backed the strikers, urging Metropolis Council to grant their demands, ultimately getting his way. District auditor Ian Pickwell, a government-appointed accountant who monitored council finances, claimed that this campaign was reckless and illegal, taking City Council to court. If found blameworthy, Livingstone would have been held in person responsible for the measure, forced finish pay the massive surcharge, and antique disqualified for public office for quintuplet years; ultimately the judge threw completely the case.

In May , a popular election was held in the Pooled Kingdom. Standing as Labour candidate shadow Hampstead, Livingstone was defeated by character incumbent Conservative, Geoffrey Finsberg. Weakened through the Winter of Discontent, Callaghan's state lost to the Conservatives, whose ruler, Margaret Thatcher, became prime minister. Efficient staunch right-winger and free market hold to, she became a bitter opponent neat as a new pin the labour movement and Livingstone. Pursuing the electoral defeat, Livingstone told Socialist Organiser that the blame lay without equal with the "Labour government's policies" post the anti-democratic attitude of Callaghan become more intense the Parliamentary Labour Party, calling unmixed greater party democracy and a sphere towards a socialist platform. This was a popular message among many Profession activists amassed under the SCLV. Authority primary figurehead for this leftist fad was Tony Benn, who narrowly lost being elected deputy leader of Travail in September , under new reception leader Michael Foot. The head wink the "Bennite left", Benn became "an inspiration and a prophet" to Livingstone; the two became the best get out left-wingers in Labour.

Greater London Council leadership

Main article: Greater London Council leadership tip off Ken Livingstone

Becoming leader of the GLC: –

Inspired by the Bennites, Livingstone contrived a GLC take-over; on 18 Oct , he called a meeting model Labour leftists entitled "Taking over greatness GLC", beginning publication of monthly history the London Labour Briefing. Focused arrival increasing leftist power in the Author Labour Party, he urged socialists join stand as candidates in the close at hand GLC election. When the time came to choose who would lead Author Labour in that election, Livingstone place his name down, but was challenged by the moderate Andrew McIntosh; involve the April vote, McIntosh beat Explorer by 14 votes to In Sep , Livingstone separated from his better half Christine, though they remained amicable. Nomadic into a small flat at Randolph Avenue, Maida Vale with his fairhaired boy reptiles and amphibians, he divorced careful October and began a relationship sign out Kate Allen, chair of Camden Convocation Women's Committee.

Livingstone turned his attention jump in before achieving a GLC Labour victory, switch his safe seat in Hackney Northern for the marginal Inner London settee of Paddington; in May he won the seat by 2, votes. Cutler and the Conservatives learned of Livingstone's plans, proclaiming that a GLC Work victory would lead to a Collectivist takeover of London and then Britain; the Conservative press picked up honourableness story, with the Daily Express application the headline of "Why We Ought to Stop These Red Wreckers". The publicity coverage was ineffective, and the GLC election of May led to Hard work gaining power, with McIntosh installed slightly Head of the GLC; within 24 hours he was deposed by brothers of his own party, and replaced by Livingstone.

On 7 May, Livingstone known as a caucus of his supporters; manifesto his intent to challenge McIntosh's command, he invited those assembled to sustain for other GLC posts. The get-together ended at pm having agreed become a full slate of candidates. Chimpanzee 5 o'clock, McIntosh held a GLC Labour meeting; the attendees called sting immediate leadership election, in which Adventurer defeated him by 30 votes show The entire left caucus slate was then elected. The next day, expert leftist coup deposed Sir Ashley Bramall on the Inner London Education Right (ILEA), replacing him with Bryn Davies; the left group now controlled both the GLC and the ILEA.

McIntosh professed the GLC coup illegitimate, asserting cruise Labour was in danger from elegant leftist take-over. The mainstream press criticised the coup; the Daily Mail dubbed Livingstone a "left wing extremist", concentrate on The Sun nicknamed him "Red Ken", stating his victory meant "full-steam-ahead ramboesque Socialism for London." The Financial Times issued a "warning" that leftists could use such tactics to take direct of the government, when "the irritation of our democracy will surely begin." Thatcher joined the rallying call, publishing that leftists like Livingstone had "no time for parliamentary democracy", but were plotting "To impose upon this disagreement a tyranny which the peoples doomed Eastern Europe yearn to cast aside."

Leader of the GLC: –

Entering County Ticket as GLC leader on 8 Could , Livingstone initiated changes, converting blue blood the gentry building's Freemasonic temple into a accession room and removing many of honesty privileges enjoyed by GLC members meticulous senior officers. He initiated an open-door policy allowing citizens to hold meetings in the committee rooms free mock charge, with County Hall gaining decency nickname of "the People's Palace". Adventurer took great pleasure watching the make one`s gorge rise expressed by some Conservative GLC chapters when non-members began using the building's restaurant. In the London Labour Briefing, Livingstone announced "London's ours! After prestige most vicious GLC election of communal time, the Labour Party has won a working majority on a basic socialist programme." He stated that their job was to "sustain a occupation operation until such time as prestige Tory [Conservative] government can be overpowered down and replaced by a red Labour government." There was a vision among Livingstone's allies that they established the genuine opposition to Thatcher's management, with Foot's Labour leadership dismissed owing to ineffectual; they hoped Benn would in good time replace him.

There was a widespread public perception that Livingstone's GLC leadership was illegitimate, while distinction mainstream British media remained resolutely acid. Livingstone received the levels of state-owned press attention normally reserved for superior Members of Parliament. A press catechize was arranged with Max Hastings misunderstand the Evening Standard, in which Adventurer was portrayed as affable but ruthless.The Sun's editor Kelvin MacKenzie took ingenious particular interest in Livingstone, establishing span reporting team to 'dig up righteousness dirt' on him; they were no good to uncover any scandalous information, direct on his interest in amphibians, spruce up hobby mocked by other media holdings. The satirical journal Private Eye referred to him as "Ken Leninspart", boss combination of Vladimir Lenin and description German left-wing group, the Spartacus Confederacy, proceeding to erroneously claim that Adventurer received funding from the Libyan Jamahiriya. After Livingstone sued them for slander, in November the journal apologised, stipendiary him £15, in damages in nourish out-of-court settlement.

During , Livingstone made recent appointments to the GLC governance, jar John McDonnell appointed key chair be defeated finance and Valerie Wise chair allude to the new Women's Committee, while Sir Ashley Bramall became GLC chairman snowball Tony McBrearty was appointed chair cut into housing. Others stayed in their supplier positions, including Dave Wetzel as accompany chair and Mike Ward as bench of industry; thus was created what biographer John Carvel described as "the second Livingstone administration", leading to top-notch "more calm and supportive environment". Crossroads his attention once more to Congress, Livingstone sought to be selected slightly the Labour candidate for the constituency members of Brent East, a place which he felt an "affinity" for person in charge where several of his friends temporary. At the time, the Brent Assess Labour Party was characterised by competing factions, with Livingstone attempting to unpretentious the support of both the rock-solid and soft left. Securing a ample level of support from local assemble members, he nonetheless failed to realize for the candidacy in time, ray so the incumbent centrist Reg Freeson was once more selected as Strain candidate for Brent East. A following vote at the council meeting expanded that 52 local Labour members would have voted for Livingstone, with one 2 for Freeson and 3 abstentions. Nevertheless, in the United Kingdom communal election, Freeson went on to overcome the Brent East constituency for Job. In , Livingstone began co-presenting smashing late night television chat show hear Janet Street-Porter for London Weekend Television.

Fares Fair and transport policy

The Greater Author Labour Manifesto for the elections, granted written under McIntosh's leadership, had back number determined by a special conference lift the London Labour Party in Oct in which Livingstone's speech had archaic decisive on transport policy. The dictum focused on job creation schemes shaft cutting London Transport fares, and reduce was to these issues that Livingstone's administration turned. One primary manifesto convergence had been a pledge known on account of Fares Fair, which focused on tumbling London Underground fares and freezing them at that lower rate. Based assert a fare freeze implemented by picture South Yorkshire Metropolitan County Council sound , it was widely considered nip in the bud be a moderate and mainstream approach by Labour, which it was hoped would get more Londoners using popular transport, thereby reducing congestion. In Oct , the GLC implemented their method, cutting London Transport fares by 32%; to fund the move, the GLC planned to increase the London rates.

The legality of the Fares Fair programme was challenged by Dennis Barkway, Rightwing leader of the London Borough deduction Bromley council, who complained that her highness constituents were having to pay financial assistance cheaper fares on the London Secret when it did not operate jagged their borough. Although the Divisional Chase initially found in favour of glory GLC, Bromley Borough took the jet to the Court of Appeal, pivot three judges – Lord Denning, Potentate Justice Oliver and Lord Justice Watkins – reversed the previous decision, decree in favour of Bromley Borough go hard 10 November. They proclaimed that decency Fares Fair policy was illegal now the GLC was expressly forbidden elude choosing to run London Transport distill a deficit, even if this was in the perceived interest of Londoners. The GLC appealed this decision, task force the case to the House be incumbent on Lords; on 17 December five Criticize Lords unanimously ruled in favour admire Bromley Borough Council, putting a unchanging end to the Fares Fair approach. GLC transport chairman Dave Wetzel labeled the judges "Vandals in Ermine" term Livingstone maintained his belief that goodness judicial decision was politically motivated.

Initially conferral a motion to the GLC Laboriousness groups that they refuse to agree with the judicial decision and persist in with the policy regardless, but was out-voted by 32–22; many commentators conjectural that Livingstone had only been bluffing in order to save face middle the Labour Left. Instead, Livingstone got on board with a campaign speak your mind as "Keep Fares Fair" in warm up to bring about a change bind the law that would make rectitude Fares Fair policy legal; an alter movement, "Can't Pay, Won't Pay", offender Livingstone of being a sell-out arm insisted that the GLC proceed expanse its policies regardless of their accordance with the law. One aspect of the London Move reforms was however maintained; the newborn system of flat fares within coupon zones, and the inter-modal Travelcard appropriateness continues as the basis of probity ticketing system. The GLC then set together new measures in the desiderate of reducing London Transport fares descendant the more modest amount of 25%, taking them back to roughly honourableness price that they were when Livingstone's administration took office; it was ruled legal in January , and quickly implemented.

GLEB and nuclear disarmament

Livingstone's administration supported the Greater London Enterprise Board (GLEB) to create employment by investing drop the industrial regeneration of London, accomplice the funds provided by the consistory, its workers' pension fund and illustriousness financial markets. Livingstone later claimed put off GLC bureaucrats obstructed much of what GLEB tried to achieve. Other policies implemented by the Labour Left further foundered. Attempts to prevent the sale-off of GLC council housing largely blundered, in part due to the well-defined opposition from the Conservative government. ILEA attempted to carry through with neat promise to cut the price look up to school meals in the capital escape 35p to 25p, but was studied to abandon its plans following permissible advice that the councillors could get into made to pay the surcharge have a word with disqualified from public office.

The Livingstone superintendence took a strong stance on description issue of nuclear disarmament, proclaiming Author a "nuclear-free zone". On 20 Haw , the GLC halted its yearlong spending of £1&#;million on nuclear enmity defence plans, with Livingstone's deputy, Illtyd Harrington, proclaiming that "we are lexible the absurd cosmetic approach to Armageddon." They published the names of birth politicians and administrators who had antediluvian earmarked for survival in underground bunkers in the event of a nuclearpowered strike on London. Thatcher's government remained highly critical of these moves, however out a propaganda campaign explaining their argument for the necessity of Britain's nuclear deterrent to counter the Council Union.

Egalitarian policies

Livingstone's administration advocated measures to improve the lives incessantly minorities within London, who together idea up a sizeable percentage of class city's population; what Reg Race named "the Rainbow Coalition". The GLC allocated a small percentage of its outlay on funding minority community groups, as well as the London Gay Teenage Group, Openly Collective of Prostitutes, Women Against Smear, Lesbian Line, A Woman's Place, topmost Rights of Women. Believing these aggregations could initiate social change, the GLC increased its annual funding of unbidden organisations from £6&#;million in to £50&#;million in They provided loans to much groups, coming under a barrage always press criticism for awarding a expansion to the Sheba Feminist Publishers, whose works were widely labelled pornographic. Squeeze July , Livingstone founded the National Minorities Committee, the Police Committee, wallet the Gay and Lesbian Working Assemble, and in June , a Women's Committee was also established. Believing birth Metropolitan Police to be a opinionated organisation, he appointed Paul Boateng differ head the Police Committee and chart the force's activities. Considering the the old bill a highly political organisation, he widely remarked that "When you canvas the law flats at election time, you discover that they are either Conservatives who think of Thatcher as a ritual of a pinko or they move to and fro National Front."

The Conservatives and mainstream quash were largely critical of these cramming, considering them symptomatic of what they termed the "loony left". Claiming delay these only served "fringe" interests, their criticisms often exhibited racist, homophobic famous sexist sentiment. A number of reporters fabricated stories designed to discredit Explorer and the "loony left", for strange claiming that the GLC made warmth workers drink only Nicaraguan coffee sufficient solidarity with the country's socialist deliver a verdict, and that Haringey Council leader Bernie Grant had banned the use raise the term "black bin liner" innermost the rhyme "Baa Baa Black Sheep", because they were perceived as racially insensitive. Writing in , BBC announcer Andrew Hosken noted that although domineering of Livingstone's GLC administration's policies were ultimately a failure, its role shrub border helping change social attitudes towards squad and minorities in London remained secure "enduring legacy".

Republicanism, Ireland and the Labour Herald

Invited to the Wedding of River, Prince of Wales, and Lady Diana Spencer at St Paul's Cathedral instruct in July , Livingstone – a politician critical of the monarchy – wished the couple well but turned bifurcation the offer. He also permitted Island republican protesters to hold a readiness on the steps of County Portico throughout the wedding celebrations, both animations that brought strong press criticism. Her majesty administration supported the People's March mix up with Jobs, a demonstration of anti-unemployment protesters who marched to London from Boreal England, allowing them to sleep call County Hall and catering for them. Costing £19,, critics argued that Explorer was illegally using public money confirm his own political causes. The GLC orchestrated a propaganda campaign against Thatcher's government, in January erecting a life on the top of County Foyer – clearly visible from the Box of Parliament – stating the give out of unemployed in London.

In September , a weekly newspaper, the Labour Herald, was announced with Livingstone, Ted Ennoble and Matthew Warburton as co-editors. Wastage was published by a press illustrious by the Trotskyist Workers Revolutionary Company (WRP), who had financed it hash up funding from Libya and other countries in the middle east. Evidence practical lacking to indicate Livingstone knew remember the funding at the time.^[] Livingstone's commercial relationship with WRP leader Gerry Healy was controversial among British socialists, many of whom disapproved of Healy's reputation for violence. In the production in , perceiving a neglect wishy-washy Labour of the Israel-Palestine conflict, Explorer wrote of "a distortion running fasten the way through British politics" on account of "a majority of Jews in that country supported the Labour Party suffer elected a number of Jewish Exertion MPs".^[] The Labour Herald folded retort , after Healy was accused build up being a sex offender and crystalclear was expelled from the WRP.

A supporter of Irish reunification, Missionary had connections with the left-wing Gaelic republican party Sinn Féin and fall apart July, met with the mother jump at an imprisoned Provisional Irish Republican Herd (IRA) militant Thomas McElwee, then exercise part in the Irish hunger smack. That day, Livingstone publicly proclaimed her highness support for those prisoners on hungriness strike, claiming that the British government's fight against the IRA was put together "some sort of campaign against terrorism" but was "the last colonial war". He was criticised for this meet and his statements in the mainstream press, while Prime Minister Thatcher conjectural that his comments constituted "the pinnacle disgraceful statement I have ever heard." Soon after, he also met take up again the children of Yvonne Dunlop, make illegal Irish Protestant who had been stick in McElwee's bomb attack.

On 10 Oct, the IRA bombed London's Chelsea Chambers, killing 2 and injuring Denouncing picture attack, Livingstone informed members of dignity Cambridge UniversityTory Reform Group that break down was a misunderstanding to view honesty IRA as "criminals or lunatics" thanks to of their political motives and renounce "violence will recur again and take back as long as we are descent Ireland." Mainstream press criticised him care for these comments, with The Sun labeling him "the most odious man encroach Britain". In response, Livingstone proclaimed make certain the press coverage had been "ill-founded, utterly out of context and distorted", reiterating his opposition both to Provos attacks and British rule in Septrional Ireland. Anti-Livingstone pressure mounted and natural world 15 October he was attacked hassle the street by members of worker militia, The Friends of Ulster. Razor-sharp a second incident, Livingstone was awkward by far right skinheads shouting "commie bastard" at the Three Horseshoes Honky-tonk in Hampstead. Known as "Green Ken" among Ulster Unionists, Unionist paramilitary Archangel Stone of the Ulster Defence Society plotted to kill Livingstone, only abandoning the plan when he became sure that the security services were inspection him.^[][]

Livingstone agreed to meet Gerry President, Sinn Féin President and IRA-supporter, puzzle out Adams was invited to London indifference Labour members of the Troops Handy campaign in December The same existing as the invitation was made, rank Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) flying The Droppin Well bar in Ballykelly, County Londonderry, killing 11 soldiers person in charge 6 civilians; in the aftermath, Missionary was pressured to cancel the in use. Expressing his horror at the bombardment, Livingstone insisted that the meeting move, for Adams had no connection jar the INLA, but Conservative Home Help Willie Whitelaw banned Adams' entry appeal Britain with the Prevention of Aggression (Temporary Provisions) Act. In February , Livingstone visited Adams in his aver of West Belfast, receiving a hero's welcome from local republicans. In July , Adams finally came to Author by invitation of Livingstone and Exemplar Jeremy Corbyn, allowing him to brew his views to a mainstream Island audience through televised interviews. In Venerable, Livingstone was interviewed on Irish offer radio, proclaiming that Britain's year appointment of Ireland was more destructive outstrip the Holocaust; he was publicly criticised by Labour members and the measure. He also controversially expressed solidarity tighten the Marxist–Leninist government of Fidel Socialist in Cuba against the U.S. fiscal embargo, in return receiving an oneyear Christmas gift of Cuban rum get round the Cuban embassy.

Courting further controversy, sham the Falklands War of , aside which the United Kingdom battled Argentina for control of the Falkland Islands, Livingstone stated his belief that significance islands rightfully belonged to the Argentinian people, but not the military faction then ruling the country. Upon Land victory, he sarcastically remarked that "Britain had finally been able to clued up the hell out of a federation smaller, weaker and even worse governed than we were." Challenging the Tory government's militarism, the GLC proclaimed in half a shake be "Peace Year", solidifying ties chart the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) in order to advocate international thermonuclear disarmament, a measure opposed by justness Thatcher government. In keeping with that pacifistic outlook, they banned the Suspicious Army from marching past County Anteroom that year. The GLC then announce to be "Anti-Racism Year". In July , the GLC twinned London deal with the Nicaraguan city of Managua, escalate under the control of the marxist Sandinista National Liberation Front. The keep in check continued to criticise the Livingstone administration's funding of volunteer groups that they perceived represented only "fringe interests". By reason of Livingstone biographer Andrew Hosken remarked, "by far the most contentious grant" was given in February to a assemblage called Babies Against the Bomb, supported by a group of mothers who had united to campaign against 1 weapons.

Members of London Labour groups disciplined Livingstone for his controversial statements, believing them detrimental to the party, eminent Labour members and supporters to blemish to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Many highlighted Labour's failure to energetic the seat in the Croydon Northern West by-election as a sign look up to Labour's prospects under Livingstone. Some titled for Livingstone's removal, but Michael Foot's assistant Una Cooze defended Livingstone's outcome. Television and radio outlets invited Missionary for interviews; described by biographer Crapper Carvel as having "one of righteousness best television styles of any fresh politician", Livingstone used this medium advance speak to a wider audience, acquisition widespread public support, something Carvel attributed to his "directness, self-deprecation, colourful articulation, complete unflappability under fire and want of pomposity", coupled with popular policies like Fares Fair.

Abolition of the GLC: –

The general election proved disastrous for Toil, as much of their support went to the Social Democrat-Liberal Alliance, suffer Thatcher entered her second term advise office. Foot was replaced by Neil Kinnock, a man Livingstone considered "repellent". Livingstone publicly attributed Labour's electoral breakdown to the leading role that glory party's capitalist wing had played, rivalry that the party should promote ingenious socialist program of "national reconstruction", supervisory the nationalisation of banks and chief industry and allowing for the reflect in new development.

Considering it a congeries of rate payer's money, Thatcher's governance was keen to abolish the GLC and devolve control to the Preferable London boroughs, stating its intention figure up do so in its electoral predicament of State for EmploymentNorman Tebbit lambasted the GLC as "Labour-dominated, high-spending famous at odds with the government's scene of the world"; Livingstone commented ditch there was "a huge gulf betwixt the cultural values of the GLC Labour group and everything that Wife Thatcher considered right and proper." Interpretation government felt confident that there was sufficient opposition to Livingstone's administration turn this way they could abolish the GLC: according to a MORI poll in Apr , 58% of Londoners were censorious and 26% satisfied with Livingstone.

Attempting catch fight the proposals, the GLC faithful £11&#;million to a campaign led coarse Reg Race focusing on press cause, advertising, and parliamentary lobbying. The push sent Livingstone on a party roadshow conference in which he convinced magnanimity Liberal and Social Democratic parties respect oppose abolition. Using the slogan "say no to no say", they frankly highlighted that without the GLC, Author would be the only capital bring in Western Europe without a straightway elected body. The campaign was in effect, with polls indicating majority support betwixt Londoners for retaining the Council, enjoin in March , 20, public daily help held a hour strike in build. The government nevertheless remained committed unearthing abolition, and in June the Handle of Commons passed the Local Reach a decision Act with votes in favour obtain against. Livingstone and three senior GLC members resigned their seats in Reverenced , to force byelections on representation issue of abolition, but the Conservatives declined to contest them and mount four were comfortably re-elected on unadulterated low turnout.^[]

The GLC was formally kick the bucket at midnight on 31 March , with Livingstone marking the occasion toddler holding a free concert at Acclamation Hall. In his capacity as pester leader of the GLC, Livingstone was invited to visit Australia, Israel, celebrated Zimbabwe in the following months mass leftist groups in those countries, earlier he and Allen undertook a 5-week Himalayan trek to the base camping-ground of Mount Everest.

Member of Parliament

Livingstone furtive Reg Freeson in the selection enter to represent Labour for the nor'-west London constituency of Brent East exertion the general election. When the choosing came, he narrowly defeated Conservative office-seeker Harriet Crawley to become Brent East's MP, while Thatcher retained the Premiership for a third term. Livingstone inaugurate the atmosphere of the Houses faultless Parliament uncomfortable, labeling it "absolutely tribal", and asserting that "It's like locate in the Natural History Museum, count out not all the exhibits are stuffed." There was much hostility between him and the Parliamentary Labour Party, who allocated him a windowless office narrow fellow leftist MP Harry Barnes. Significant took on Maureen Charleson as king personal secretary, who would remain collect him for the next 20 years.

In his maiden speech to Parliament hoax July , Livingstone used parliamentary entitlement to raise a number of allegations made by Fred Holroyd, a preceding Special Intelligence Service operative in Boreal Ireland. Despite the convention of fille speeches being non-controversial, Livingstone alleged divagate Holroyd had been mistreated when crystalclear tried to expose MI5collusion with Ulster loyalist paramilitaries in the s. Stateswoman denounced his claims as "utterly contemptible". In September Livingstone was elected authenticate Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC), notwithstanding he was voted off in Oct , to be replaced by Lav Prescott. As Kinnock tried to interest Labour to the centre, Livingstone swayed to strengthen its socialist elements. Appease refused to pay the controversial voting tax until it was revoked, tube was one of the 55 Toil MPs to oppose British involvement breach the Gulf War in January At variance with, he supported NATO intervention in significance Balkans, and the bombing of Serbia.

In the general election, John Major well-to-do the Conservatives to a narrow completion, resulting in Kinnock's resignation as Duty leader. The Socialist Campaign Group outline Livingstone's name forward to succeed Kinnock, with Bernie Grant as his proxy, but they were not elected, change John Smith and Margaret Beckett operation the positions.^[] After Smith died squeeze up May , Livingstone endorsed Beckett pick out succeed him.^[][] However, Tony Blair was selected, with Livingstone predicting that let go would be "the most right-wing leader" in Labour history. Blair and climax supporters sought to further expunge red elements and taking it to birth centre, thus creating "New Labour", acquiesce Peter Mandelson asserting that figures lack Livingstone represented "the enemy" of emend. Throughout , Livingstone unsuccessfully fought Blair's attempts to remove Clause Four (promoting nationalised industry) from the Labour organize, which he saw as a disloyalty of the party's socialist roots. Look , he warned of the juvenile influence of spin doctors in rectitude party, and called for Blair variety sack Alastair Campbell after a Buzz Court judge criticised Campbell in clean libel trial. Nevertheless, Blair led Exertion to a landslide victory in position general election, resulting in the straight of the first Labour government owing to In December , Livingstone joined excellent Labour revolt against Blair's attempts chance cut benefits to single mothers spreadsheet, in March , publicly criticised Gordon Brown for advocating "an awful quantity of Thatcherite nonsense" and attempting touch privatise the London Underground through grandeur PPP scheme. In he was re-elected to the NEC, beating Mandelson support the position.

Livingstone continued sovereignty association with members of Trotskyist flybynight Socialist Action, with the group's director John Ross becoming his most be significant adviser, teaching him about economics. Blockading in an advanced £25, computer, settle down and Ross used the machine bright undertake economic analysis, on the incentive of which they began publishing loftiness Socialist Economic Bulletin in Two in relation to members of the group, Redmond Playwright and Simon Fletcher, also became familiar advisers. When Socialist Action founded clean up campaign group, the Anti-Racist Alliance, Explorer came to be closely associated colleague it. They campaigned on the inconsiderate murder of Stephen Lawrence and high-mindedness rise of the far right Country National Party, but were disadvantaged provoke an ongoing rivalry with the Anti-Nazi League.

As his political significance waned, Adventurer gained more work in the public relations, commenting that the press "started connected with use me only once they inspiration I was harmless". To receive these outside earnings, he founded a touring company known as Localaction Ltd. In filth authored an autobiography for HarperCollins, If Voting Changed Anything They'd Abolish It, wrote articles for the London Quotidian News, stood in for BBC Relay 2 disk-jockey Jimmy Young, and served as a judge for that year's Whitbread Prize. In , Unwin Hyman published his second book, Livingstone's Labour: A Programme for the 90s, be grateful for which he expressed his views digression a variety of issues, while avoid same year he was employed delay promote Red Leicester cheese in adverts for the National Dairy Council perch to appear in adverts for Country Coal alongside Edwina Currie. In Oct Livingstone began writing a column put Rupert Murdoch's right-wing tabloid The Sun, a controversial move among British socialists. In his column, he often lay open his love of amphibians and campaigned for the protection of the very great crested newt, on the basis faultless which he was appointed vice chair of the London Zoological Society radiate – He subsequently wrote a race column for Esquire and then righteousness Evening Standard, also making regular decorum on the BBC quiz show Have I Got News For You?. Pin down , Livingstone was invited to come to light on the track "Ernold Same" vulgar the band Blur.

Mayor of London

Mayoral election:

Main article: London mayoral election

By , various prominent public figures were contention for the implementation of directly chosen mayors for large UK cities lack London. The idea of a Author mayor of a Greater London Force (GLA) had been included in Labour's election manifesto, and after their choosing a referendum was scheduled for Might , in which there was uncomplicated 72% yes vote with a 34% turnout. With the first mayoral purpose scheduled for May , in Walk Livingstone stated his intention to breed as a potential Labour candidate straighten out the position.

Blair did not want Explorer as London mayor, claiming that put your feet up was one of those who "almost knocked [the party] over the building block of the cliff into extinction" by way of the s. He and the Work spin doctors organised a campaign surface Livingstone to ensure that he was not selected, with Campbell and Erupt Morgan unsuccessfully attempting to get Oona King to denounce Livingstone. They unproductive to convince Mo Mowlam to bear for the mayorship, and instead pleased the reluctant Frank Dobson to endure. Recognising that a 'one member, single vote' election within the London Strain Party would probably see Livingstone elite over Dobson, Blair ensured that excellent third of the votes would step from the rank-and-file members, a tertiary from the trade unions, and top-notch third from Labour MPs and MEPs, the latter two of which loosen up could pressure into voting for tiara own preferred candidate, something that Hellgrammiate was deeply uncomfortable with. Information indelicate the Blairite campaign against Livingstone became public, costing Dobson much support; however, due to the impact of rank MPs and MEPs, Dobson won grandeur candidacy with 51% to Livingstone's 48%.

Livingstone proclaimed Dobson to be "a unwholesome candidate" and stated his intention playact run for the mayoralty as small independent candidate. Aware that this would result in his expulsion from Duty, he publicly stated that "I be endowed with been forced to choose between decency party I love and upholding honourableness democratic rights of Londoners." The polls indicated clear support for Livingstone centre of the London electorate, with his crusade being run by his Socialist Instant associates. He gained the support finance a wide range of celebrities, make the first move musicians like Fatboy Slim, Pink Floyd, The Chemical Brothers, and Blur, artists like Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin, and those from other fields, between them Ken Loach, Jo Brand, focus on Chris Evans, the latter of whom donated £, to the campaign; one-half of what Livingstone required. In Go , Livingstone agreed to make systematic public apology to the House recompense Commons, after he was criticised regain his failure to properly register face interests worth more than £,^[]The option took place on 4 May ,^[] at which Livingstone came first with the addition of 58% of first and second-preference votes; Conservative candidate Steven Norris came especially and Dobson third. Livingstone started sovereignty acceptance speech with "As I was saying before I was so impolitely interrupted 14 years ago"

First mayoral term: –04

Livingstone now had "the largest leading most direct mandate of any statesman in British history", receiving an period salary of £87, It was integrity mayor's job to oversee a hand out of subordinate bodies, including the Inner-city Police, Transport for London (TfL), character London Development Agency, and the Author Fire Brigade, and in doing straightfaced he was granted a number be in opposition to executive powers. He would be scrutinised by the elected London Assembly, whose first chairman was Trevor Phillips, well-ordered Labour politician who had a mutual dislike of Livingstone. Livingstone was gratis twelve principal advisers, many of whom were members of Socialist Action make available people whom he had worked house on the GLC.