Livingstone pledges to “move quickly” on investment
The London Mayor has said that he will be “moving quickly” to start work on his manifesto policies.
Ken Livingstone won the race with 55 per cent of votes (when second preferences were taken into account) to Steve Norris’s 45 per cent.
Labour though lost two seats in the elections for the London Assembly.
Speaking today Mr Livingstone said: “The electorate were given a clear choice: better buses, more police, fifty per cent affordable housing, or back to cuts and under-investment.
“The result represents endorsement of continued investment, and the policies I have pursued over the last four years.”
He promised that free bus travel for under 18s in full time education would be available from Easter 2005 and that the Low Emission Zone is anticipated for 2007.
A Low Emission Zone is an idea from Sweden, which aims to cut pollution by barring high-polluting vehicles from certain areas, encouraging vehicle owners to use cleaner vehicles thus improving local air quality.
It is likely to be opposed by Conservative members of the London Assembly who also campaigned against the congestion charge.
Following Monday’s announcement that Nicky Gavron will be the new Deputy Mayor, Mr Livingstone said that Val Shawcross would take over as the chair of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority and recommended Len Duvall as the new Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority.
Conservative London Assembly Member Brian Coleman has however accused the Mayor of trying to “stitch up” appointments.
Mr Coleman claims that under the GLA Act it is the members of the Metropolitan Police Authority who elect their chairman from their members.
He said: “The Mayor knows he does not have the power to appoint the Chair of the MPA but he is clearly trying to use his election victory to bully the Police Authority into submission to accept Len Duvall.”
Mr Livingstone also urged Londoners to turn out and welcome the Olympic flame when it visits London on Saturday June 26th .
He said: “This is the first time that the Olympic Flame has visited Britain since 1948. It is a great honour for London, which is the most diverse city in the world and nearly every nation that participates in the Olympic Games is represented in the population of London.”
Torch bearers will include Frank Bruno and Sir Steve Redgrave and there will be a free concert on the Mall featuring Rod Stewart.
