Thanks Ken

Over the last 24 hours we have spent much time analysing and discussing the future of the Party. But I just want to say a thank you to Ken.

As many of you know, Ken has spent most of his life in service of London. And particularly, his contribution over the last 8 years has been massive, focusing on the environment, transport infrastructure, poverty and the economy, he has undoubtedly transformed London.

But let’s not forget that before becoming Mayor he was also a great Constituency MP (and there are not many of those that we can take them for granted). He helped anybody no matter who they voted for and was highly regarded amongst his constituents, particularly the Irish, at a time when they were being victimised. Ken was at the forefront of giving them a voice as he has always done for those who are discriminated against.
 
For my whole life, Ken has driven the London agenda, and this city has a proud identity today – and international prestige – because of his determination. And never did he forget the poor, dispossessed and the excluded on his path to power.

The Labour party has been built on the shoulders of giants; Attlee, Castle, Lansbury and many others; and I’m convinced that before long, Livingstone will be considered among those giants.

Thank you Ken

NB. If you want to leave a note of thanks here for Ken, we'll make sure he receives it.



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Re: Thanks Ken (#1)

Thanks. You did a great job putting London on the map, opened up local govt to the public and spoke for all sections of London's diverse community; and you made a dignified exit. Its an impressive record. Well done!

Re: Thanks Ken (#2)

ken, you were and remain a star. you don't fancy filling the general secretary vacancy do you?

Re: Thanks Ken (#3)

London doesn't know what it did on Thursday.  Everything happens for a reason though and this will give you a bit of time and some space to get your energy back, spend time with the kids and then make a superb comeback.  I for one believe people will be begging you to come back before Alexander de Pfeffel has got even half way through his term!

Re: Thanks Ken (#4)

They called the Mayor a glorified transport commisioner.  There may be some truth to this, but golly, Livingstone brought glory to the role.

Re: Thanks Ken (#5)

Your acheivements were considerable and it would set a great precedent if you and Boris could work together for the good of London.  You can continue to give great service to London and to your country, but do take some well-earned rest first.  After a few months there could well be a senior vacancy in the Labour Party.

Re: Thanks Ken (#6)

Ken, I wasn't the biggest fan of your personality. But you were gutsy, an almost polemical politician. At your 'worst', you had your hands tied. The transport costs were high, but you had campaigned all your political life for cheap transport, and opposed the PPP initiative that manifested these costs. No one else could have introduced the congestion charge. No one else could possibly follow your example on housing, and on the environment. When you were denounced as a supporter of religious fanticism, you dismissed this with your excellent leadership following the bombings in the greatest city in the world. You denounced all religious types who denounced equal rights for gays. You provided shelters for oppressed women. You denounced all forms of religious bigotry and violence in the Middle East. You increased funding for flood defences.

London will regret ever dismissing you. You knew the city back to front. This charlatan, not even a London MP, will be shown to be a hammer blow against the oppertunism of Cameron.

Re: Thanks Ken (#7)

You can still win in May 2012 Ken! You should be Mayor when the Olympics are here!

Best wishes for the future.

Re: Thanks Ken (#16)

Here's hoping...I too think that he's a formidable man, although one of the 'all time greatest Labour politicians' is going a little too far.  We'll certainly miss his straight-talking, although others aspects not so much.  Let's hope Mayor Boris brings the same candour and forthright approach to the job as his predecessor.

P.s. NM - how's your faith in democracy at the moment?

Re: Thanks Ken (#8)

I'm currently an exiled Londoner, but I followed every step of the campaign. I can't believe that those who voted you out are Londoners born and bred-more likely just the 'passing through' variety. Since my student  days of 'Fares Fair', you haven't been afraid to stand up for our home, and do what needs to be done.Thank you for all you have given, and every best wish for whatever you decide to do next. We need more like you.

Re: Thanks Ken (#9)

I would like Ken to get a seat and stand for the Leadership of the party.

He has his distinguished record of service to London and an immaculate set of testimonies to it from the party leadership so how can he lose? 

 

Re: Thanks Ken (#10)

Well done on all your achievements Ken, I don't even live in London and I was gutted you lost!

I know it probably hurts like hell now but take comfort in that over time I believe you'll be viewed as one of the greatest Labour MPs of your generation, or any generation.

Besides, you're still young, there's plenty for you to do and London still needs you!

Have a good few months off and then return to politics - please! It needs you. 

Re: Thanks Ken (#11)

Well done Ken for giving rebirth to London politics. there IS work for you in National politics so resist any overtures from BoJo (who looked very sick Friday night when he realised that he may actually have to manage London).

I reckon the Tories expected him to lose but bloodying Labour's nose at the same time - now they have a problem and I hope we are not going to help them resolve it. I also hope that the Tories are not going to run down the effectiveness of the assembly and then ultimately do a Thatcher and get rid of it !!

Whether it's Gen Sec, Leader or MP you get my vote :-)

Re: Thanks Ken (#12)

I think that you are one of our most if not the most talented politician we have.

I hope that we shall see you in a prominent role again soon.

Re: Thanks Ken (#13)

I hope that swift action will be taken against the traitor Kate Hoey following this election.

Re: Thanks Ken (#14)

Being on the left of the party I always liked Ken anyway but it has been noticeable that rather than trying to score political points against New Labour (which some on the far left have criticised him for not doing) he has been very pragmatic and worked to improve the lives of ordinary Londoners.

Re: Thanks Ken (#15)

Ken did more for public health in England than anyone else in the last 10 years.  

And he is just the bloke we need for General Secretary.  Guts, independence and political judgement.  

Re: Thanks Ken (#17)

Pragmatic, yet true to his ideological beliefs