Greens back Ken as "insurance" against Boris
Wednesday, 19 March 2008 12:00 AM
The Green party has joined forces with Ken Livingstone as "insurance" against a victory for Boris Johnson on May 1st.
Sian Berry, the Green candidate for London mayor, will urge her supporters to pick Mr Livingstone as their second choice.
Mr Livingstone will in return urge his supporters to back Ms Berry, in what could be a major boost to the Greens' electoral fortunes.
Londoners will have two votes in the mayoral election on May 1st, with the two candidates with the highest number of first preferences fighting it out in a second round decided by second preference votes.
Mr Livingstone believes the election will come down to a "straight choice" between himself and Mr Johnson.
"So I urge Londoners who vote for another candidate with their first vote to use their second vote to help decide that contest by voting for me to stop a Tory victory," he said.
Mr Johnson said the appeal showed the mayor's "arrogance".
"Londoners will make up their own minds based on the policies put forward by all candidates," he said.
London Green party members approved the move on Monday night, in what marks a softening of the party's stance towards the present mayor.
Speaking ahead of a joint-press conference today, Ms Berry explained she "cannot bear the idea of living under Boris Johnson".
She continued: "Boris Johnson has real contempt for Londoners. He hates that we celebrate each other's heritage; he hates that we try to pass on a healthy environment to our children; he hates that we look after our most vulnerable neighbours; and most of all he hates that we all expect to share in our city's financial success. And if he's elected he will do his best to destroy all of that."
Mr Livingstone announced the pact the morning after he formally launched his campaign for re-election.
His speech at London's Royal Festival Hall focused on his achievements of the past eight years, warning Mr Johnson would "turn the clock back for the city".
With the mayor trumpeting his record, the Conservative candidate is pushing the election as a vote for change.
In a speech yesterday he said Londoners now feel less safe, the transport system is choking and many are struggling to find anywhere to live.
Mr Johnson claimed Mr Livingstone is no longer willing to stand up for Londoners.
"After 40 years in politics he has had his day and sadly, if re-elected, he offers nothing but more of the same. London needs a new mayor," he said.
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