24/09/2010

Livingstone Wins Nomination

Ken Livingstone has polled 68.8% of the votes to win Labour's nomination for the 2012 London mayoral election.

Mr Livingstone, who served two terms as London mayor between 2000 and 2008, defeated former MP Oona King in the election.

He will now run against Conservative representative Boris Johnson.

Harriet Harman, Labour Party acting leader, told Mr Livingstone: "The whole of Team Labour will be backing you.

"And I have no doubt you will win the backing of communities across London."

Mr Livingstone thanked his voters before calling Mr Johnson's administration "disastrous".

He added: "When we defeat Boris we will have played a part in rebuilding the Labour Party after the general election.

"Everywhere you look Boris has broken promises and taken his axe to services Londoners rely on."

Mr Johnson described being mayor is the "most brilliant job in British politics."

Mr Livingstone said the current mayor's fingerprints were "all over the scene of the crime" of current cuts.

He added: "We won't let Boris get away with saying he is not to blame. It is a con trick."

(BMcN)

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