It’s Ken v Boris the rematch

Ken Livingstone will go for gold in London in 2012 after it was confirmed he would be Labour’s candidate for London Mayor against Boris Johnson following a comprehensive victory over Oona King to secure the Labour nomination - 69%:31%. He vowed to “stand up for London”, urging Londoners to “send a message to David Cameron and George Osborne… if you want them out, first vote Boris out”.

Livingstone won both the membership and affilitates sections decisively. Among London Labour party members, he secured nearly two-thirds of the vote, winning 66%:34%, while among trade union members and members of affilites the winning margin was 71%:29%.

In his victory speech, Livingstone said:

“The choice between me and Boris Johnson could not be clearer. I will protect the fare payer. After Boris Johnson’s unnecessary fare increases that go hand in hand with cuts to investment we need fairer fares. I promise that fares under my administration will be lower than if Boris Johnson is re-elected.

“Today’s decision by London Labour members signals the start of a campaign to change London for the better and to protect Londoners from the cuts of this government that threaten to wreck lives and push us back into recession…

“The London election in 2012 will be the chance to send a message to David Cameron and George Osborne that we don’t want devastating cuts to our public services, fewer jobs, and declining living standards. If you want them out, first vote Boris out.“

Oona King, meanwhile, spoke of the need for unity, describing Livingstone as a “formidable politician”. She said:

“Now we must turn our attention to the real fight; the wasted mayoralty and lack of vision of Boris Johnson. Ken Livingstone is a formidable politician who has never given up the fight. I am sure he will battle for London as he always has and we must give him our support as he does so.”

Adding:

“… we are united again as Team Labour. All of us must do our best to make sure Ken Livingstone is the next Mayor of London. And no one wants to see Ken defeat Boris Johnson more than I do.”

The election will take place on Thursday, May 3rd 2012. The Liberal Democrats are the only mainstream party yet to choose a candidate