Ken Livingstone for Green second choice? Green Party to decide on second preference voting on Monday
Former Mayor receives 5 out of 10 in Green campaign's analysis of policies
The London Green Party will on Monday evening decide whether to recommend Ken Livingstone as their second preference candidate in May's Mayoral election.
The decision will be informed by an analysis by the Green campaign on how Livingstone's pledges and record tally with the Green vision for London.
In the analysis, the former Mayor was awarded a score of 5 out of 10.
Campaign Manager and London Assembly Member, Darren Johnson, said: On Monday, the London Green Party will democratically decide whether Ken Livingstone's policies and record warrant the Party's endorsement as our second choice for Mayor.
"Our campaign is focused on getting Jenny elected Mayor and ensuring as many Green candidates are elected to the Assembly.
"Our objective is to ensure that after the election City Hall is as Green as possible, tackling issues like fair pay, safer roads and improving air quality. The supplementary vote system allows voters to make a second choice for their Mayoral candidate. We are happy to work with other parties and groups wherever their policies will address the needs of ordinary Londoners."
The decision will be made by a special meeting of the London Green Party on Monday evening. Representatives from local Green Parties in each borough as well as any other members in attendance will vote on the decision.
The analysis of Livingstone focused on key areas of policy for London. While receiving full marks on opposing aviation expansion and housing, he received nothing on the areas of policing and crime because of his ‘simplistic focus on police number officers' rather than ‘civil liberties or community relations' as well as 0 on road building owing to his championing of the failed Thames Gateway Bridge scheme.
Livingstone received half marks on pay inequality, Green jobs and local business, health, traffic reduction, walking and cycling, fares and transport investment and the environment and climate change.
By comparison, current Mayor Boris Johnson received just 1 out of 10, receiving half marks on health and Green jobs and local business.
Ends
For more information, contact Joe Williams on 0782 5511 927, @earsopen or joe.williams@greenparty.org.uk.
Notes
1. A Press Pack for the London Green Party's 2012 campaign can be found at
bit.ly/greenpresspack
Promoted by Martin Bleach on behalf of Jenny Jones and London Green Party Candidates, all at Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London, EC2A 4LT
.