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Ken Livingstone
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Ken Livingstone Biography
Topics:
- Business
- Leadership
- Politics
Ken Livingstone is a great after dinner and conference speaker on business and politics. He was born in Lambeth in 1945 and was educated at Tulse Hill Comprehensive School.
Career History
Ken has twice held the chief executive office in London local government. Firstly, as leader of the Greater London Council from 1981 until the council was abolished in 1986 by the government of Margaret Thatcher. Secondly, as the first Mayor of London, a post he held from its creation in 2000 until 2008. He also served as Labour Party Member of Parliament for Brent East between 1987 and 2001.
Ken Livingstone as Mayor of London
He was initially elected to the post of London Mayor as an Independent candidate after the Labour Party chose not to nominate him as their candidate in the first mayoral elections. In January 2004, he was re-admitted to the Labour Party. He stood as the official Labour Party candidate for Mayor in the June 2004 elections, which he won with a total of 828,380 first and second-preference votes. On May 1, 2008 Ken was defeated in his second re-election bid by Conservative candidate Boris Johnson, and his term as Mayor of London ended on 4 May 2008.
One of Ken’s greatest challenges as Mayor of London was dealing with the city's ageing transportation infrastructure. Ken introduced many schemes including bendy buses, oyster cards and the congestion charge.
Ken also made a significant effort to reduce London’s impact on the environment and he set up Britain's first register for same-sex couples. While falling short of legal marriage rights, the register was seen as a "step towards" such rights. Legal status was later passed by the government through the Civil Partnership Act 2004.
In the aftermath of the 2005 London bombings, Ken initiated a campaign to celebrate London's multiculturalism. In 2001 Ken revived the free anti-racism Music festival now which he believes, along with other anti-racist policies, is why London saw a 35% decrease in racist attacks.
All this led to Ken being named 'Politician of the Year' by the Political Studies Association.
Ken Livingstone as Corporate Speaker
Following his post as Mayor, Ken took a slot on London's Biggest Conversation as a radio presenter. He also writes a weekly blog and is a regular contributor for The Guardian. He is a proficient corporate speaker and was a Chair and debate contributor at the Progressive London Conference in 2010.
For further information or to book Ken Livingstone, call us at Speakers Corner on +44 (0) 20 8365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Ken Livingstone Video
Ken Livingstone Speaker Showreel - Click play to watch a short sample video clip of Ken Livingstone. For more information on Ken Livingstone please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0) 208 365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Outside of appearing and speaking at live corporate and private events Ken Livingstone has a number of retail products available that can be purchased through Speakers Corner. For upcoming new book and product launches related to Ken Livingstone then please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0) 208 365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Ken Livingstone Books
If Voting Changed Anything They'd Abolish ItPrice: £3.95
Livingstone's LabourPrice: £12.95
London 2000+: New ArchitecturePrice: £28.50
Ken Livingstone News
A selection of relevant news related to Ken Livingstone and Business stories. For more information on Ken Livingstone or details as to how to book Ken Livingstone for your corporate event, then please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0) 20 8365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
The Observer Ethical Awards are launched for 2010
15th January 2010The Observer Ethical Awards have been launched for 2010. The Awards reward those individuals and organisations which represent the ethical best in class in the UK today. You can vote for your favourite green gods and godesses for campaigner of the year, politician of the year, online retailer and local retailer. The judging panel, including Lucy Siegle, Ben Fogle, Kate Humble and Deborah Meaden will vote on the remianing categories.
15th January 2010The Observer Ethical Awards have been launched for 2010. The Awards reward those individuals and organisations which represent the ethical best in class in the UK today. You can vote for your favourite green gods and godesses for campaigner of the year, politician of the year, online retailer and local retailer. The judging panel, including Lucy Siegle, Ben Fogle, Kate Humble and Deborah Meaden will vote on the remianing categories.
Ken Livingstone hosts radio phone-in
23rd May 2008Former Mayor of London Ken Livingstone has been given his own live radio show. LBC radio station in London has signed him up to present five afternoon phone-in shows for a week next month.
23rd May 2008Former Mayor of London Ken Livingstone has been given his own live radio show. LBC radio station in London has signed him up to present five afternoon phone-in shows for a week next month.
Londoners vote in mayoral election
1st May 2008Millions of London voters were going to the polls on Thursday to choose a new mayor who will command a multi-billion pound budget and help prepare the capital for the 2012 Olympics.
1st May 2008Millions of London voters were going to the polls on Thursday to choose a new mayor who will command a multi-billion pound budget and help prepare the capital for the 2012 Olympics.
Mayor for Birmingham
29th October 2007Among prominent figures so far touted for an elected mayor in Birmingham are Karen Brady, the managing director of Birmingham City Football Club, and Sir Digby Jones
29th October 2007Among prominent figures so far touted for an elected mayor in Birmingham are Karen Brady, the managing director of Birmingham City Football Club, and Sir Digby Jones
The Sunday Times Business Person of Year - The Finalists
23rd December 2009The Sunday Times has announced its list of contenders for their annual Business Person of the Year award. The finalists have shown true grit and determination - many have hauled their businesses through a rather perilous time unscathed and are survivors in the business world. The contenders are Angela Ahrendts (pictured left), Ross Brawn, Frank Chapman, Richard Cousins, Founders of Twitter, Jack Dorsey, Biz Stone and Evan Williams, Steve Jobs, Sam Laidlaw, Alan Mulally, Kate Swann, and John Varley.
23rd December 2009The Sunday Times has announced its list of contenders for their annual Business Person of the Year award. The finalists have shown true grit and determination - many have hauled their businesses through a rather perilous time unscathed and are survivors in the business world. The contenders are Angela Ahrendts (pictured left), Ross Brawn, Frank Chapman, Richard Cousins, Founders of Twitter, Jack Dorsey, Biz Stone and Evan Williams, Steve Jobs, Sam Laidlaw, Alan Mulally, Kate Swann, and John Varley.
BSkyB is Britain's most admired company 2009
2nd December 2009Media firm BSkyB landed the top spot in Management Today's Britain's Most Admired Companies awards on monday night. Led by CEO Jeremy Darroch, the organisation is one of the youngest to be handed the accolade, topping each of the nine criteria to secure the award. Matthew Gwyther, editor of Management Today said: 'It (BSkyB) is barely more than a stripling upstart amongst the great names of UK business, some of which have been around for centuries in one form or another. It has shown that a class-leading product, well marketed and slickly delivered, can continue to grow and prosper even in the most challenging circumstances.' Tesco and Johnson Mathey took the second and third slots respectively, with Cadbury, GlaxoSmithKline and Rolls-Royce trailing at numbers four, five and six.
2nd December 2009Media firm BSkyB landed the top spot in Management Today's Britain's Most Admired Companies awards on monday night. Led by CEO Jeremy Darroch, the organisation is one of the youngest to be handed the accolade, topping each of the nine criteria to secure the award. Matthew Gwyther, editor of Management Today said: 'It (BSkyB) is barely more than a stripling upstart amongst the great names of UK business, some of which have been around for centuries in one form or another. It has shown that a class-leading product, well marketed and slickly delivered, can continue to grow and prosper even in the most challenging circumstances.' Tesco and Johnson Mathey took the second and third slots respectively, with Cadbury, GlaxoSmithKline and Rolls-Royce trailing at numbers four, five and six.
Heavyweight keynote speakers are expected at the CBI Conference today including Gordon Brown, David Cameron, Dominique Strauss-Kahn & Stuart Rose to name but a few
23rd November 2009Heavyweight keynote speakers are expected to address the CBI conference in London today. Talking to the most influential and important of business audiences will be our political leaders Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg, business chiefs such as Sir Stuart Rose and Stephen Hester, as well as Lord Adair Turner, BBC Economics Editor Stephanie Flaunders and the CBI's Director-General Richard Lambert. Chairing the conference will be CBI's President, the recently appointed Helen Alexander, former chief executive at The Economist and the first woman in the role.
23rd November 2009Heavyweight keynote speakers are expected to address the CBI conference in London today. Talking to the most influential and important of business audiences will be our political leaders Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg, business chiefs such as Sir Stuart Rose and Stephen Hester, as well as Lord Adair Turner, BBC Economics Editor Stephanie Flaunders and the CBI's Director-General Richard Lambert. Chairing the conference will be CBI's President, the recently appointed Helen Alexander, former chief executive at The Economist and the first woman in the role.
Lessons learnt from Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple - one of the greatest speakers ever
19th November 2009The Times is featuring extracts from Simon Maier and Jerremy Kourdi's book 'The 100: Insights and lessons from 100 of the greatest speeches ever delivered'. Read The Times article on lessons learnt from one of the world's best speakers - Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple and former chief executive officer of Pixar Animation Studios.
19th November 2009The Times is featuring extracts from Simon Maier and Jerremy Kourdi's book 'The 100: Insights and lessons from 100 of the greatest speeches ever delivered'. Read The Times article on lessons learnt from one of the world's best speakers - Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple and former chief executive officer of Pixar Animation Studios.
WHO MOVED MY GURU?
19th December 2008The economy may be tanking, but not Malcolm Gladwell. His new book, “Outliers,” a characteristically snappy look at what made the Beatles, Bill Gates and other superstars so successful, enters the hardcover nonfiction list at No. 1
19th December 2008The economy may be tanking, but not Malcolm Gladwell. His new book, “Outliers,” a characteristically snappy look at what made the Beatles, Bill Gates and other superstars so successful, enters the hardcover nonfiction list at No. 1
Diageo wins 'Britain's Most Admired Company 2008' award
11th December 2008Drinks major Diageo has won the coveted title of Britain's Most Admired Company 2008 in MT's annual poll. At the awards ceremony last night at Claridge's, Diageo’s CEO Paul Walsh accepted the award from Lord Heseltine, chairman of Haymarket Media...
11th December 2008Drinks major Diageo has won the coveted title of Britain's Most Admired Company 2008 in MT's annual poll. At the awards ceremony last night at Claridge's, Diageo’s CEO Paul Walsh accepted the award from Lord Heseltine, chairman of Haymarket Media...
Ken Livingstone Reviews
Ken Livingstone has spoken and appeared at a number of recent corporate events. Please find some client speaker testimonials and reviews for Ken Livingstone for a number of these events and conferences. If you would like some additional information as to how to book Ken Livingstone for your corporate event, then please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0) 208 365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
"Even though Ken was full of cold, he did not let us down and was a pleasure throughout the entire evening. So much so that I had to stop him talking so that we could have the entertainment."
Q & A with Ken Livingstone
Speakers Corner interviewed Ken Livingstone to give you a bit more insight as to the type of performance and delivery you would expect from Ken Livingstone However for more information on Ken Livingstone or details as to how to book Ken Livingstone for your corporate event, then please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0) 208 365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Speakers Corner: How did the corporate speaking all start?
Ken Livingstone: I used to do it for free as leader of the GLC and then realised all the other buggers were being paid
Speakers Corner: Can you remember your first speaking engagement?
Ken Livingstone: Age 11 opposing the illegal British invasion of Egypt
Speakers Corner: And your last event?
Ken Livingstone: The Chartered Institute of Housing in Brighton last Friday
Speakers Corner: Which event has been your favourite and why?
Ken Livingstone: Australian property companies meeting in the in the Barrier Reef so I could swimming daily with the sea turtles
Speakers Corner: If you could speak at any event, past or future, what would it be?
Ken Livingstone: At Castro’s victorious march into Havana 50 years ago
Speakers Corner: Who would you most like to share a platform with?
Ken Livingstone: Winona Ryder
Speakers Corner: On average, how many times a year do you speak at corporate events?
Ken Livingstone: 30 plus probably
Speakers Corner: Do you use powerpoint?
Ken Livingstone: It’s against my religion
Speakers Corner: Are you as happy speaking to 50 as to 1,000 people?
Ken Livingstone: Yes as long as I can hear the sound of my own voice
Speakers Corner: How do you like to be introduced?
Ken Livingstone: “The once and future mayor”
Speakers Corner: Do you always like to do a briefing call before the event?
Ken Livingstone: Not really, I speak off the cuff and don’t really need briefings
Speakers Corner: What are the most asked for topics?
Ken Livingstone: Climate change, transport, running a world class city
Speakers Corner: Is your speech at all interactive with audience participation?
Ken Livingstone: The Q&A session is always the best bit
Speakers Corner: Do you have any funny/embarrassing speaking anecdotes you care to share?
Ken Livingstone: The time I got halfway through a speech about GLC abolition before I realised the audience had asked me to speak about the trade union link with Labour
Speakers Corner: Your favourite film?
Ken Livingstone: The Godfather II
Speakers Corner: Favourite book?
Ken Livingstone: 1984
Speakers Corner: Favourite holiday destination?
Ken Livingstone: Greek Islands
Speakers Corner: What’s your tipple?
Ken Livingstone: Rioja
Speakers Corner: Country or townie?
Ken Livingstone: Townie
If you are interested in booking Ken Livingstone for your live event or require any additional information regarding Ken Livingstone then please fill in the enquiry form below and one of the Speakers Corner booking agents will contact you within 24 hours.
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Client Comments
Adaptable and worked around my diary commitments well - would definitely use you again!!Barclays Bank Plc
News
2nd September 2010
Michael Douglas shared his struggle on The Late Show with David Letterman yesterday and keynote speakers including Lance Armstrong and Martina Navratilova have been open to sharing their own experiences and stories of hope.
1st September 2010
The BBC One controller, Jay Hunt has confirmed that Graham Norton's chat show will switch to friday nights in October to replace Friday Night with Jonathan Ross.
