Former MP, London Mayor and one-time leader of the Greater London Council, Ken Livingstone, discusses his extroadinary political career. The event takes place at The Gaiety Theatre on Wednesday 5th October.

And there’s plenty to talk about. How he came under heavy fire from the mainstream media in the 1980s when they dubbed him ‘Red Ken’, their rubbishing of his support of controversial issues such as republicanism, lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender rights and a united Ireland and his bitter clash with Margaret Thatcher and her resulting abolition of the Greater London Council.

The evening will be a fascinating account of Ken Livingstone's extraordinary life and career. For nearly 30 years this controversial political chameleon has been making headlines, antagonising, shocking and delighting the public and the press in equal measure. He became the first directly elected Mayor of London as an independent. Since that monumental moment he has won the 2012 Olympics and led the capital during the dark days after the July 7th, 2005 terrorist attacks. Here is a story of ambition, controversy and ruthlessness.

A polarising figure in British politics, Livingstone is the author of two autobiographies, “If Voting Changed Anything, They'd Abolish It” (1987) and “You Can't Say That” (2012). These days Ken is an engaging speaker on the theatre and festival circuit.

As with all Sporting & Dining Club events, the evening concludes with an open Question & Answer session.

Tickets:
?17.50 per person.

How to book:
Tickets available from the Villa Box Office, online or telephone 600555.