Skip to main content
The Morning Star Shop
Governing London from the left
They called us the 'loony left' but we showed the world what was possible once socialists take power even over one city, from free transport and free festivals to recognising same-sex partnerships — we need that ambition once again, writes KEN LIVINGSTONE
Ken Livingstone pictured on the London Eye in 2000

IT IS hard to believe that last year marked 20 years since I became mayor of London and that this year marks 40 years since the Labour left gained the leadership of the Greater London Council (GLC).

The Morning Star gave great support in both of these struggles and although the world — and British politics — are very different to 20, yet alone 40, years ago our socialist principles are still just as important in both understanding the key challenges facing us and developing policies that can tackle them — for the future of the planet and its population.

While looking at both experiences there are of course many things I would do differently and we certainly made mistakes, but I am still deeply proud of both periods of running London from the left. Additionally, where we could, we also sought to give a platform and support to communities and campaigns organising for a better society.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
GREEN INNOVATION: The Cheonggyecheon urban redevelopment ope
Features / 29 July 2023
29 July 2023
It is mayors living close to the people who understand what is needed to tackle climate change better than national politicians in their private jets and chauffeur-driven cars, writes KEN LIVINGSTONE
PLENTY TO CHEW ON: (Left) Mission Barrio Adentro, Dr Jose Ca
Features / 1 July 2023
1 July 2023
With the 25th anniversary of his first election approaching this year, KEN LIVINGSTONE writes on the achievements and legacy of an important figure in Latin America’s history
WHAT’S FOR LUNCH? Reception class student Jayden-Luke Davi
Features / 16 June 2023
16 June 2023
KEN LIVINGSTONE writes on the importance of devolution – and using devolved powers for progressive ends
'Thatcher's approach to the 1984-85 miners’ strike was a p
Features / 19 May 2023
19 May 2023
Wide-ranging attacks on ‘enemies within’ are reminiscent of Thatcher’s assault on the miners, GLC, and black and Irish communities in the '80s, writes KEN LIVINGSTONE
Similar stories
International Brigade Memorial by Ian Walters, 1985 (restored 2012). Jubilee Gardens, Belvedere Road, Lambeth, London
Spanish Civil War / 24 June 2025
24 June 2025

LYNNE WALSH tells the story of the extraordinary race against time to ensure London’s memorial to the International Brigades got built – as activists gather next week to celebrate the monument’s 40th anniversary

RAGE: Locals confront police 
guarding the Holiday Inn 
Expr
Features / 17 December 2024
17 December 2024
While Starmer courts BlackRock and backs genocide, leading to despair and historically low voter turnout, the vultures of the new populist right circle Britain’s crumbling institutions, writes CLAUDIA WEBBE
PAWNING BRITAIN: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer with Black
Features / 3 December 2024
3 December 2024
Keir Starmer’s BlackRock enthusiasm is a clear give-away for Tory continuity plans, argues CLAUDIA WEBBE
WHISKY AND WRY: Attila pays homage on a sad anniversary
Culture / 21 September 2024
21 September 2024
The only living boy in Clacton gathers all the news he needs from the weather report, recalls a sad broadcast and takes it to the Macleaners