London - Mr Ken Livingstone MP last night joined public battle with the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, with a Westminster rally launching his campaign for the right to seek Labour's nomination to be London Mayor, writes Frank Millar.
Comedienne Jo Brand and author Beryl Bainbridge joined trade union and other activists, MPs and constituency members at the "Let Ken Stand" rally in Westminster's Central Hall, at the start of what promises to be a bitter fight to force Mr Livingstone's name onto the ballot paper from which Labour's 70,000 London members will eventually select the party's candidate for next year's mayoral contest.