Ken to work as Chavez consultant

President Chavez is a controversial figure, although he is much loved by the poor at home

Thursday, 28, Aug 2008 06:32

Former London mayor Ken Livingstone is to become a consultant for controversial Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez.

He will advise on urban planning in the capital, Caracas.

"President Chavez has asked that I continue to work with the city and its new mayors to use the experience of London to actually give form to his dream that this can be a first world city in a first world country," he said.

"I am proud and honoured to be in a position to be able to offer my advice to those candidates as they start the task of transforming this city for the benefit of all its people."

The move comes just as London's fuel deal with Venezuela is allowed to lapse by Boris Johnson's administration in City Hall.

The deal secured half price bus travel to Londoners on income support in exchange for London's advice on municipal transport, environmental issues and waste management in Caracas. Mr Livingstone now says he is fulfilling that deal.

"Ken Livingstone is free, as a private individual, to offer his advice and services to whomever he wants," a spokesman for Boris Johnson said.

President Chavez is a highly polarising figure. Massively popular among the poor in Venezuela due to his socialist politics and dedication to wealth distribution, Washington and Venezuela's middle classes describe him as a dangerous authoritarian.