Assembly podcast focusses on Livingstone Mayoralty

In its 25^th Anniversary year, the London Assembly has today released a video and podcast recorded with the Chief of Staff of the first Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone.  

In the podcast, Simon Fletcher discusses Ken Livingstone’s Mayoralty, how the former Mayor viewed the London Assembly and why the scrutiny body is so important for Londoners. 

The Assembly has scrutinised all three Mayors of London, since it was formally launched in July 2000.

During the podcast, Mr Fletcher comments on:

• The first ever London Assembly meeting
• Ken Livingstone’s relationship with Tony Blair and the Labour Government of the time
• The 7/7 terror attacks 
• Memories of the Metropolitan Police Authority

Lord Duvall of Woolwich OBE AM, Chair of the London Assembly, who conducted the interview, said:

“This is the third in a series of special 25^th Anniversary podcasts.  I have thoroughly enjoyed walking down memory lane with former Mayor, Boris Johnson, first London Assembly Chair, Sir Trevor Phillips and now, Ken Livingstone’s former Chief of Staff, Simon Fletcher.

“Having been an Assembly Member since its inception, I believe this series of podcasts is an important way to remember how scrutiny influences the thinking of a Mayor of London and how the role of the Mayor and Assembly has evolved over time.  

“Simon Fletcher gives us a fascinating insight into Ken Livingstone’s tenure as Mayor - and we are delighted to be able to capture reflections on the inaugural Mayoralty as part of our 25^th Anniversary celebrations. 

“I am confident that the Assembly will continue to seek out and voice the issues that matter most to Londoners for the next 25 years.”