Ken Livingstone: One of Our Greatest Politicians

NorthernMonkey Sat May 03, 2008 at 01:11:56 AM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook



A sad night for us and an emotional one for London's Mayor for the past eight years. Ken Livingstone is without doubt, one of Labour's finest ever politicians and one of the most successful public servants Britain has had in the past 30 years.



Good luck to Ken in the future. Best wishes from LabourHome.

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Ken Livingstone: One of Our Greatest Politicians | 11 comments (11 topical)

Re: Ken Livingstone: (#1)

by Curlew on Sat May 03, 2008 at 08:33:37 AM GMT

Well done Ken for the least percentage loss amongst the melt-down.  Don't stray too far lad - there's work for you to do in national politics!


Re: Ken Livingstone: (#2)

by swatantra on Sat May 03, 2008 at 08:38:39 AM GMT

He's had a stint in Westminster already! He won't go to the lords so probably an international career beckons., or a 'Govt Tsar' role on something.


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Re: Ken Livingstone (#3)

by doctordunc on Sat May 03, 2008 at 10:08:05 AM GMT

General Secretary?


Re: Ken Livingstone (#4)

by lastword on Sat May 03, 2008 at 11:06:28 AM GMT

He deserves to be made Lord Livingstone of London.  He can use that platform to campaign internationally the issues he's led this city so well in.  Whether appointed or elected I hope Brown offers him a peerage immediately.


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Re: Ken Livingstone (#5)

by Curlew on Sat May 03, 2008 at 11:58:51 AM GMT

I'll tick that box


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Re: Ken Livingstone (#6)

by Curlew on Sat May 03, 2008 at 11:59:59 AM GMT

I mean for Gen Sec (why don't posts appear under the one we're replying to....)


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Re: Ken Livingstone: (#7)

by Prbo on Tue May 06, 2008 at 05:27:03 PM GMT

Sorry to break the consensus chaps, but I'm struggling slightly with why Ken is one of the 'greatest ever Labour politicians?'  He's certainly been a powerful force, and a dominant personality, but I don't seen many reasons to rank him with Keir Hardie, Clement Attlee, Nye Bevan, Harold Wilson et al.  Good, maybe, but by no means great.


Re: Ken Livingstone: (#8)

by NorthernMonkey on Tue May 06, 2008 at 09:03:21 PM GMT

He's been effectively in charge of Europe's largest city for the past 25 years (apart from the brief interuption under Thatcher's dictatorial rule) - he's an icon for progressive politics and he did a great job (particularly as Mayor).


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Re: Ken Livingstone: (#9)

by Prbo on Wed May 07, 2008 at 10:00:47 AM GMT

True, he's been in charge, and arguably didn't do too bad a job.  That doesn't mean he's one of the greatest Labour figures though.  What were his achievements as Mayor?  Attlee created the NHS and welfare state - what did Ken do that will ring throughout the ages?


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Re: Ken Livingstone: (#10)

by NorthernMonkey on Wed May 07, 2008 at 05:26:53 PM GMT

The congestion charge and massive investment in public transport.

The congestion charge is one of the boldest, and most successful measures, ever introduced in local government. If even the Tories have had to accept it, you know it must be good.


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Re: Ken Livingstone: (#11)

by Prbo on Thu May 08, 2008 at 11:11:24 AM GMT

Lol!  I admire your optimism NM, but if the congestion charge is the reason why he's one of the greatest ever Labour politicians, is doesn't say a great deal about the competition.  If you want an example of a great, reforming mayor, take a look at Joe Chamberlain in Birmingham in the 19th century.  They were great achievements.  Livingstone did ok, but to claim he's one of the greatest labour politicians, well...


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Ken Livingstone: One of Our Greatest Politicians | 11 comments (11 topical)