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"Red Ken" Livingstone to take on Johnson in London mayoral race
[Gulf Times] RedKen Livingstone launched a bitter attack on Boris Johnson yesterday as he was confirmed as Labour's candidate for the 2012 mayoral race. The former mayor branded his Tory rival "Robin Hood in reverse" and called on Londoners to punish him for cuts imposed by the coalition government. Livingstone, 65, was close to tears as he successfully beat off Oona King's challenge for the nomination, winning support from 68.6% of party members. The result sets the stage for a political rematch with the man who kicked him out of office two years ago. "We need a mayor who will stand up for London," Livingstone told supporters on the South Bank. "The choice between me and Boris Johnson could not be clearer." He vowed to protect the fare payer -- City Hall's largest source of revenue. "After Boris Johnson's unnecessary fare increases, which go hand-in-hand with cuts to investment, we need fairer fares," he said. "I promise that fares under my administration will be lower than if he is re-elected. "His conflicts with the government are phoney. They are designed to shuffle off blame. But they won't wash as he fought to get them elected. "Boris Johnson can't have his cake and eat it. 'It wasn't me guv' won't wash. Boris, your fingerprints are all over the scene of the crime and it's you and your party that damage London." Posted by: Fred 2010-09-25 |
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