New Livingstone, New Danger?

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water, The Guardian today reveals that Ken Livingstone has been receiving campaign advice from none other than ex-pm Tony Blair and his spin doctor friend Alastair Campbell.

The move comes at a time when we were secretly hoping that the days of empty political spin inflicted upon the public by this grusome twosome had reached its sordid demise. However, it looks like the world is still turning at pretty much the same rate and angle as it was about a year ago. It's no surprise that many feel that we're still sifting through the rubble of the aftermath of the Blair years, indeed, it looks like we're still sonambulating through its shadows...

Nothing much seems to be changing under Brown, so when will we all get a new political hero? It doesn't lappear that the Tories can provide us with one, despite looking like they might win the next election. What we need is a politican who cares more about the country as a whole rather than just his (or her) party alone. But as that looks a while away off, perhaps we're all doomed to another few decades of bumbling mediocrity, backtracking and general pandemonium.

Enough of the desperate ranting, though, according The Guardian's article, Livingstone, Campbell and Blair began working together informally - despite their previously stated grievances - after being united through their hatred of Boris Johnson. This makes sense considering their political persuasions, but must have been uncomfortable when you consider the previous insults that this unholy trinity have thrown in each other's directions. Livingstone had previously criticised Blair for being at the helm of evil 'New Labour', whereas Blair was unhappy with the tree-hugging tendancies of Livingstone. There was more London drama than your average episode of Eastenders.

In a reversal of opinions, Alastair Campbell even has even gone so far as to say that, although he used to think that Ken was "dreadful", he was now convinced that he had been responsible for effectively making London the "capital of the world". It's quite a compliment to throw at another person, but do they really have a point?

They real question now is whether or not the magic of Blair save Ken Livingstone's office? Only time will tell. In the meantime Londoners can expect a postcard arriving on their doorstep sometime soon with the blurb of "Imagine Boris Johnson in charge of London's 39bn transport budget. Suddenly he's not so funny."

So whatever happens it looks like Ken's developed a sense of humour at last...

Photograph: John McHugh-Pool/Getty from The Guardian

Written by Oli Anderson on 24 Apr 2008 1:41 PM. Permalink