Ken’s backers show breadth of support
Ken Livingstone's campaign today released the names of prominent individuals supporting his re-election. The backers indicate the wide breadth of Ken's appeal.
Among these people are London fashion designer Ozwald Boateng, as well as Vivienne Westwood who has previously announced her support; Oscar winning actor Emma Thompson; David Campbell, Chief Executive of O2, London's most successful new music and culture venue who has brought bands like the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin to play live shows in the capital, and social justice activist Bianca Jagger.
Many of the supporters are backing Ken because of the strong stance he has taken against the war in Iraq, in contrast to Boris Johnson who supported the war. These include Bloc Party, Vivienne Westwood, Adrian Sherwood (on-u sound), Ed Simons (chemical brothers), Sean Rowley, Stephen Duffy and the Lilac Time, Ashley Beedle (X - Press II), Duke Spirit, Beardyman, Trojan Soundsystem, Ralph Steadman, Chas Smash (Madness), Captain Sensible, Susie Orbach.
A number of musicians and DJs are backing Ken because of his record on fighting racism and fascism. They have called for a vote for him and for people to turn out to keep the BNP out of City Hall. Among those people are Richard Archer (Hard Fi), Bashy, Jerry Dammers (ex The Specials), Don Letts, Jon McClure (Reverend and the Makers), John Carroll (X-ray Spex), Zillah Carroll (Rubella Ballet), Juggy D, Metz and Trix, DJ Rabin Bodi, and Ty.
Individuals who have already supported a first or second preference vote for Ken Livingstone include: former Director General of the BBC, Greg Dyke; actor Prunella Scales; comedians Jo Brand, Alistair McGowan, Arthur Smith and Richard Wilson; artists Banksy, musicians Billy Bragg, Captain Sensible formerly of The Damned and Chas Smash of Madness; as well as Doreen Lawrence, Rodney Bickerstaffe of the National Pensioners' Convention, Gemma Tumelty President of the National Union of Students and the film producer Lord David Puttnam.
Iconic Camden venue the Electric Ballroom has called for a vote for Ken.
Friends of the Earth, which cannot officially endorse a candidate, has ranked Ken as the 'greenest' mayoral candidate, with FoE director, Tony Juniper, saying Ken "is one of the few British politicians to have shown genuine leadership on green issues and put London at the forefront of efforts to tackle climate change." Greenpeace praised London's record on the environment over the last 8 years by saying "Ken Livingstone is showing how the largest city in Europe can combat climate change. No other leader is on the same page." Ken has been endorsed by leading green campaigner, Jonathon Porritt, who said 'The prospect of Boris Johnson becoming Mayor is just so scary.'
Over 25 artists donated pieces of work to raise money for Ken Livingstone's campaign to be re elected as Mayor including Antony Gormley, Peter Kennard, Turner prize winner Jeremy Deller, Billy Childish, Richard Hamilton, Catherine Yass, Mark Quinn, Banksy and Mona Hatoum.
Quotes:
Alastair McGowan
"Ken has the interests of all Londoners at heart - not just the interests of a privileged few."
Jo Brand
"I'm very pleased to be supporting Ken's campaign for re-election."
Billy Bragg
"Every vote cast for Ken Livingstone helps keep the BNP out."
Jonathan Porritt
"The prospect of Boris as Mayor is just so scary."
Tony Robinson
"Ken may not be a saint, but he is a visionary. He wants London to be the number one city in the world, with transport to match, and more than anyone else in the country, he knows how to deliver it."
Arthur Smith
"I always think anyone hated so vigorously by the Standard, the Labour Party and the Tories is the man to vote for."
Jeremy Leggett, Chairman of the UK's leading solar business, SolarCentury
'Ken Livingstone has shown genuine leadership on climate change."
Jamie Reid
"Ken is one of the very few politicians who has stayed true to his beliefs. He really cares about London, its people and its culture. No contest: it's got to be Ken."
Greg Dyke
"I shall vote for Ken. I think he's done not a bad job at all, if you look at London today compared to a decade ago it's a pretty vibrant exciting place and I think he's responsible for some of that."
Doreen Lawrence
"Ken has fostered a culture where London's communities are treated with respect. Racist attacks have fallen by 50% since Ken became Mayor."
Tony Benn
"Ken Livingstone is the greatest Londoners of our generation."
Tariq Ali
"Vote for Livingstone on May 1."
Matthew Herbet
"Ken recognises the need to nurture and encourage London's creative momentum."
Vivienne Westwood
"It's great to live in London and I feel a real sense of solidarity with all Londoners and I think Ken feels the same and works for our best interest and for this great city which is at the centre of world affairs."
Emma Thompson
"I was shocked to discover that 30,000 women were trafficked during the Athens Olympic Games and give my absolute backing to Ken, who is determined that this will not happen in London."
Wes Streeting, President-elect, NUS
"Students will know that only one candidate has a consistent record of fighting and delivering for students and that's Ken."
Captain Sensible, guitarist for the Damned
"I started my performing career at the Marquee Club as the Who and the Rolling Stones had done before me in the 60s. It has unfortunately been re-developed along with CBGBs in New York and the Cavern Club in Liverpool. Once these venues are gone they're gone forever but Ken is promising to protect London's music venues from this sort of cultural short sightedness, which is just another example of his overall vision for London's future."
David Campbell President & CEO AEG Europe
"Eight years ago London was one of a number of world class cities. Today it is the world's leading city, and much of the credit for getting it there must go to the Mayor. Ken Livingstone has positively engaged with business - and recognised the critical role a competitive business environment plays in driving forward the London (and UK) economy. I believe Ken Livingstone has done a good job getting us where we are today, and can best lead London over the next four years."
Notes to the editor
Londoner's For Peace Statement:
Today London will elect its Mayor. Ken Livingstone or Boris Johnson will be elected. No other candidate has a chance.
With Ken, London has a Mayor committed to peace and who has consistently supported the anti-war movement, opposing the invasion of Iraq and calling for an end to the occupation. He has worked with the peace movement against nuclear weapons and Trident replacement.
Boris Johnson, the Conservative candidate, voted FOR the Iraq war in parliament, and supported the re-election of George W Bush. He voted FOR the replacement of the Trident nuclear weapons system.
The majority of Londoners support peace. London needs a Mayor who represents this majority.
The choice is clear for Londoners who support PEACE - Not War. Re-elect Ken for Mayor.
Signatories:
Bloc Party, Vivienne Westwood, Adrian Sherwood (on-u sound), Ed Simons (chemical brothers), Sean Rowley, Stephen Duffy and the Lilac Time, Ashley Beedle (X - Press II), Duke Spirit, Beardyman, Trojan Soundsystem, Ralph Steadman, Chas Smash (Madness), Captain Sensible, Susie Orbach
Statement supporting Ken on his anti-racist record:
With Ken, London has a Mayor with a consistent record of opposing racism and that fascist fringe. Under his administration racist crime has fallen by 50 per cent in London despite going up in the rest of the country. He organises the biggest free anti-racist festival in Europe and other free festivals to respect and celebrate the contribution of each of London's communities.
Boris Johnson in contrast has called South Africa under Mandela "the majority tyranny of black rule", referred to black people as "picaninnies" with "water melon smiles" and claimed that "to any non-Muslim reader of the Koran, Islamophobia...seems a natural reaction..."
With views like this it is not surprising that the racist BNP have asked their voters to give Boris Johnson their second vote.
The choice is clear for Londoners who oppose racism and fascism.
Use your vote to stop the BNP getting into City Hall.
Use your vote for a Mayor who makes a stand against racism and the fascists - VOTE FOR KEN.
Signatories:
Richard Archer (Hard Fi), Bashy, Jerry Dammers (ex The Specials), Don Letts, Jon McClure (Reverend and the Makers), John Carroll (X-ray Spex), Zillah Carroll (Rubella Ballet), Juggy D, Metz and Trix, DJ Rabin Bodi