Brown backs Ken as "only choice" for London
Thursday, 20 March 2008 12:00 AM
Gordon Brown today stepped up his public backing for Ken Livingstone, describing him as the "only choice for London".
The prime minister also appeared to take a swipe at Boris Johnson, saying the capital needed a mayor who was "serious about running London".
Writing in the Evening Standard, Mr Brown urged Londoners to vote for a mayor that was "competent to get things done".
He argued Mr Livingstone, who has been mayor since 2000, had already managed to "get so much done for Londoners", having dedicated his "professional and personal life" to the city.
Mr Brown, who as chancellor publicly battled with the mayor, said Mr Livingstone had shown a "lifelong commitment to London".
The two Labour heavyweights will campaign together this afternoon as Mr Livingstone outlines his vision for Crossrail.
The prime minister's article followed the official launch of Mr Livingstone's re-election campaign, which urged voters to focus on his past achievements.
Mr Johnson has argued the incumbent mayor has run out of ideas and is no longer able to stand up for Londoners.
Mr Livingstone is running for a third term as London mayor and if successful will end up exceeding both Tony Blair and Margaret Thatcher's periods in office.
His chance of re-election is looking increasingly slim, however, with the latest poll handing his Conservative rival a 12-point lead.
Mr Johnson is campaigning in west London today against the Heathrow expansion. Tomorrow he will visit Borough market to discuss the rising cost of living with Londoners browsing the gourmet food stalls.
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