Ken Livingstone Biography
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 7607 7070 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)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Ken Livingstone News
A selection of relevant news related to Ken Livingstone, After Dinner Speakers and Keynote Speakers, Leadership Speakers and Political Speakers stories. For more information on Ken Livingstone or details as to how to book Ken Livingstone for your corporate event, please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Boris Johnson Plans London Cycling Marathon
15th April 2011
As London prepares for the annual marathon, Mayor Boris Johnson announces plans for the world's largest timed bike race in the capital. On March 17th, as professional and amateur runners take to the streets of London, Boris Johnson announces plans for The ‘London Marathon on Wheels’ – a parallel race for the world’s top pro riders. Scheduled for 2013, the race will see up to 30,000 cyclists taking to the streets on their bikes in a televised race.
The Observer Ethical Awards are launched for 2010
15th January 2010
The 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 2008
Former 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 2008
Millions 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 2007
Among 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
Self-Help Books; A Billion Dollar Industry
30th April 2013
Self-help books are increasingly popular among the British public than ever before and an increased number of us are turning to self help books in the hope that they will solve lives problems.
Noreena Hertz Finishes New Book
4th April 2013
Keynote speaker and leading futurist, Noreena Hertz has finished her most recent book, which will be published in the US and the UK in September 2013.
Roger Martin Speaking at World Economic Forum
16th January 2013
Roger Martin is due to speak at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, along with Joseph Stiglitz and Tim Berners-Lee.
Valery Giscard d’Estaing Talks Political Organization in Europe
27th June 2012
Valery Giscard d’Estaing, keynote speaker and former President of France, visited Peking University to attend the opening ceremony for the Global Public Policy Executive Training Program, to discuss the Political Organization of Europe.
Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World
24th April 2012
Time magazine has announced its 100 most influential people in the word, in a list including entertainers, businesspeople, political leaders, sporting figures and controversial personalities.
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)20 7607 7070 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
Ken Livingstone answered some probing questions for Speakers Corner. For speaking secrets revealed - read on! To book Ken Livingstone for your event, please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Speakers Corner: How did the corporate speaking 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 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
For further information or to book Ken Livingstone, call us on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
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