TMP Online

Labour London Mayor Ken Livingstone will go face to face with his Tory challenger, Boris Johnson, in a television debate to be aired at 11pm on ITV1 in London on Thursday. They will be joined by Liberal Democrat candidate Brian Paddick and the debate will be chaired by former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq.

Johnson, who was recently described as a “clown” by Paddick, has been accused of running scared from such a debate and this will be the first time that the candidates for the May 2008 London Mayoral election will debate together.

Commenting on the debate, Livingstone said,
“It’s the first time I’ve been able to pin Boris Johnson down to one. I’m really looking forward to it and I’m sure Londoners are looking forward to it.
“I would have thought radio and broadcasters would have set aside two or three slots a week for the candidates to debate. It’s very cheap TV and it gives Londoners a chance to ring in and ask questions.”

For information on Livingstone’s campaign, you can sign up at www.kenlivingstone.com.