Yesterday, it was reported that Ken Livingstone had encouraged supporters of Lutfur Rahman to adopt intimidatory tactics when dealing with government commissioners sent to investigate allegations against Tower Hamlets Council:
He added: “When these commissioners turn up, find out where they live and then have a peaceful demonstration outside their homes so their neighbours know that these are the type of people that turn out and overturn a democratically elected mayor.
Both Labour and Government spokespeople have condemned these remarks. James Bloodworth said the Labour Party needed to consider the option of expulsion. Jim Fitzpatrick, Labour MP for Poplar and Limehouse, stresses that Livingstone in no way speaks for Labour:
“That’s deeply disturbing. It’s almost inciting people to the level of intimidation.
“The Labour front bench welcomed the statement from Eric Pickles and have accepted the need for commissioners to be sent in to Tower Hamlets, so Ken is clearly not speaking for Labour party policy.”
It’s worth listening to Zoe Conway’s robust coverage of the controversial meeting on the Today programme (2:39).