Lots of good stuff from Matthew Taylor in the Guardian today. This piece, co-written with Patrick Wintour, focusses on the advice given to Livingstone's campaign by Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair and Philip Gould, the heart of the "New" Labour electoral machine that Livingstone took such pleasure in crushing back in 2000. The most interesting bit is this quote from Team Ken:
"Ken Livingstone welcomes the support he has had in his campaign from anyone including Alastair Campbell, Philip Gould, and particularly the strong support he has had from government ministers. At the same time, you only have to see the importance his campaign gives to issues like opposing the war in Iraq and bringing the maintenance of the Tube back into public ownership to understand the character of his campaign."
It's a difficult blend: on the one hand, Livingstone has always profited from his outsider charm, tailored to liberal Londoners, on the other he needs to contrast his experience - his establishment record - with Johnson's lack of it and perceived frivolousness. He also needs to mobilise the loyal Labour vote. Can he have his cake and eat it?
The theme of which version of Ken is running is also explored in a longer piece by Matthew. But I'm especially interested in what he says in this audio clip, where he anticipates Johnson heeding those calls to name at least some members of his intended mayoral team, and Livingstone announcing a review of City Hall procedures.
Fascinating. On the first point, I've no idea who might be unveiled as a Johnson lieutenant at this stage. But I keep wondering if it could have been pure coincidence that Team Boris adviser Steve Norris made it known to the FT the other day that he wouldn't mind running the LDA. A bit of strategic leaking, perchance? And I keep wondering if Ian Clement, the likeable leader of Bexley Council who's often been at Johnson's side during the campaign, is being lined up for a role. Incidentally, Johnson will be at the Telegraph office today answering readers' questions online. I sent him one, which has been posted:
"Many people considering voting for you may have doubts about your competence and experience. You have explained why you are unable to name the team of advisers you would have around you should you win. Nonetheless, I suggest worries will persist unless you can do more to reassure uncertain voters that your administration would be efficient, moderate and capable. Can you do more to offer such reassurance?"
To see if he answers it, look here from 1.00 pm.
As for Livingstone announcing a review of City Hall procedures, I'd guess that would be a calculated risk. I wrote yesterday that his team has kept notably quiet on the question of Johnson's unannounced administration, perhaps preferring the issue not to be raised at all in view of the Jasper affair. And what if Johnson produced a string of vote-winning names? It'll be interesting to see what happens next.
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