Biography
Ken Livingstone can speak authoritatively and amusingly on a wide range of topics including leadership, economics, politics and strategy. He will make sure that your event is a success due to his forward planning and sense of commitment. His style is unique, lively and controversial which has made him a popular guest on many TV shows. He is highly suitable for a wide variety of conferences and events including after-dinner speaking.
Ken was born in Lambeth on the 17th June 1945. He was educated at Tulse Hill Comprehensive School. From 1962-1970 he worked as a technician at the Chester Beatty Cancer Research Institute in London. After this he proceeded to The Philippa Fawcett College of Education where he gained a Teacher’s Certificate in 1973. Ken joined the Labour Party in 1969.
Between 1971 and 1978 he was a member of Lambeth Council. He held the position of vice-chairman of the housing committee from 1971-73. For four years until 1982 he was a member of Camden Council. At Camden he was the chairman of the housing committee from 1978-80. He became a member of the Regional Executive of the Greater London Labour Party from 1974 until 1986. He became a member of the Greater London Council in 1973. From 1974-75 he was the vice-chairman of Housing Management and he was elected leader in 1981. As leader of the GLC Ken Livingstone was able to shape the future of Europe’s largest city. His influence became so great that the Conservative Government was forced to disband the council and replace it with numerous local councils.
He was a member of the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party from 1987-89. In the 1979 General Election he was Labour candidate for Hampstead and Highgate and in 1987 he became MP for Brent East. In 1992 he was re-elected with a 6 per cent swing to Labour confirming his popularity.
He has written two books, “If voting changed anything, they’d abolish it” which was published in 1987. In 1989 he published “Livingstone’s Labour”.
Ken Livingstone was elected Mayor of London on 4 May 2000 with the aim of increasing London's economic growth, raising its competitiveness, while reducing inequality and celebrating diversity.
During his 8 year tenure as Mayor, Ken Livingstone introduced many initiatives that were designed to improve the living conditions and mobility of the London population, including the revolutionary congestion charge and a smartcard ticketing system for the transport network.
Choosing a Speaker
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