Compass working towards the re-election of Ken Livingstone, the May of London

The folks at Compass are rallying the troops behind the re-election of Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone. If you are so inclined give this blurb a read. Please check-out their website (http://www.compassonline.org.uk/campaigns/campaign.asp?n=1364) for residency requirements to vote in this election.

As a USA citizen and resident I am not eligible to vote in this election still I must say that I feel London is all the better under the stewardship of Mayor, Ken Livingstone. Pass the word along to any Londoners able to vote. The election is Thursday, 01st May 2008.

From the folks at Compass:

100 leading figures say: ‘Time to stand and fight to ensure that Livingstone wins’ Monday, February 25, 2008

Leaders from across the centre-left, civil society and from all corners of the UK, have today urged every progressive voter; activist and organisation to get behind the campaign to re-elect Ken Livingstone, in a statement co-ordinated by Compass.

Left leaning celebrities, academics, writers, journalists, campaigners, trade unionists and politicians are backing Livingstone because they know London faces a clear choice: to build on the progressive achievements of the last eight years or watch it go up in smoke if Johnson wins. The Tories and the Evening Standard are trying to destroy Livingstone because his defeat would pave the way for a Conservative general election win, destroying the hopes of progressives and leave the most vulnerable in the Capital prey to the reactionary politics of the right-wing Johnson.

High-profile signatories to the statement include: Diane Abbott MP (Hackney North & Stoke Newington); Professor Zygmunt Bauman; Sir Jeremy Beecham, LGA Labour Group Leader; Tony Benn; Billy Bragg, Singer and Song Writer; Beatrix Campbell, Writer and Broadcaster; Jon Cruddas MP, (Barking & Dagenham); Billy Hayes, General Secretary, CWU; Kate Hudson, Chair, CND; Sunder Katwala, General Secretary, The Fabian Society (in a personal capacity); Baroness Helena Kennedy QC; Neal Lawson, Chair, Compass; Professor Ruth Lister CBE; Professor Julian Le Grand; David Martin MEP; Robert Philpot, Director, Progress; Dave Prentis, General Secretary, UNISON; Lord David Puttnam CBE; Tony Robinson, Actor and Broadcaster; Professor Richard Sennett LSE; Polly Toynbee, Journalist; Jon Trickett MP (Hemsworth); Gemma Tumelty, President, NUS (in a personal capacity); Chuka Umunna, Compass.
The statement reads: "On 1st May London will elect a Mayor. It will either be Ken Livingstone or Boris Johnson. Livingstone has been the front runner for re-election but alarm bells may be sounding."

"Livingstone's record is impressive. Not least the Congestion Charge, which was as brave a political move as anyone has made in British politics for years. On this issue Livingstone made the weather against the odds. Millions now enjoy better and cheaper public transport. When we look around London we see a public realm that has been transformed with renovated squares, parks and river banks for everyone to enjoy and share. It is a London at ease with its multi-cultural identity, and Livingstone has played a decisive role in that. This is the politics of equality and real opportunity."

"London is a fairer, more tolerant and sustainable city because of Ken Livingstone and all that is put in jeopardy unless we act."

"The battle lines are clear. We urge every progressive voter, activist and organisation to get behind the campaign to re-elect Ken Livingstone."

Compass Chair Neal Lawson said: "The mayoral election is a about a more equal, democratic and sustainable London. All that is threatened if Boris Johnson wins. It's not just about the Capital but the future of progressive left politics. By taking chances on issues like congestion charging Livingstone has shown the left can mix power and principle into a winning formula that has benefited the lives of millions."For further information contact Gavin Hayes on 0207 463 0633 / 07900 195591, Chuka Umunna on 07766811878 or Neal Lawson on 07976 292522. Or sign up to the statement on the campaigns pages.Sign up to our statement on the Mayor of London election