Red Ken wants another chance..

Ken Livingstone has taken an opportunity to inform readers of The Guardian why they should vote for him in the upcoming London Mayoral Election. As the first of the main candidates invited to use the paper as a forum, he writes a brief outline of his policies in comparison to those of Conservative rival Boris Johnson - and doesn't hold back.

Playing on the bitter memories of Margaret Thatcher that many members of the public (perhaps justifiably) still have, Livingstone denounces Johnson as nothing more than a Thatcherite wannabe without any serious notions of how to run one of the world's most important international cities. Voting for Bojo would be like one of those abused American Catholic boys that the Pope keeps talking about getting back down on their knees in the confession booth.

We read how in the last eight years, under Ken's management, London has seen an decrease in the number of murders and rapes that were experienced under Tory control. We're informed how how environmental issues have been dealt with, such as the fines imposed on those ubiquitous 'gas guzzlers', or through improvements in the public transportation system. And it all sounds very nice. But between the lines we can sense that perhaps that Red Ken may be turning a little yellow.

Through reading the article it soon becomes apparent that Ken is getting very worried that, despite being nothing more than an "affable TV personality", Boris may still be in with a chance of snatching the mayoral position right from under his nose. In fact, the whole piece has the subtle flavour of the kind of letter that a spurned lover might write to try and gain back the favour of whoever it was that dumped them.

When Livingstone writes his theory that London is at a kind of crossroads of "two coalitions" we can sense that Livingstone sees London for what it really is - as a man in his position well should do. The only problem is that, judging by the statistics showing Bojo to be the favourite to win, the public don't see things quite the same way.

If Livingstone can articulate his vision for London a little more clearly instead of focusing on the miasma of negativity that surrounds Bojo perhaps he can still be in with a fighting chance of getting re-elected.

His only real fight is against the clock...

Written by Oli Anderson on 18 Apr 2008 10:16 AM. Permalink