Good to see Tony "Reg Varney" Banks getting short shrift in the internal
selection process for Labour candidate. Not that Gavron is likely to raise
the banner of struggle, but it remains important that Livingstone should win
in 2004, barring any appearance of a stronger left candidate.
Livingstone ally chosen by Labour to stand for mayor
Patrick Wintour, chief political correspondent
Thursday November 7, 2002
The Guardian
Ken Livingstone's chance of a second term as mayor of London got a lift
yesterday when the capital's Labour party chose Nicky Gavron as its
candidate, in preference to former sports minister Tony Banks MP.
The choice will be seen as a blow to Labour officialdom, since Ms Gavron is
sympathetic to the man who will run against her as an independent in the
ballot in 2004. She has promised it will not be a confrontational campaign,
and some suspect she will put up only a token fight. She supports congestion
charging, Mr Livingstone's most controversial policy.
Experienced and personable, Ms Gavron is nevertheless often nervous with
confrontational media.