'IF LIVINGSTONE GOES, BLAIR GOES'

3.58.46pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 8th Jun 2004

Simon tells rally: "If Livingstone goes, Blair goes"

Speaking at the final Liberal Democrat election rally, Liberal Democrat London Mayoral candidate, Simon Hughes, will tell key party campaigners that with the Labour vote disappearing and the Conservative vote fragmenting he can beat Ken Livingstone and provide an independent voice for Londoners.

In front of 500 activists at the Peacock Theatre, Mr Hughes say 'that a vote for Ken Livingstone, will be a vote for Blair's Mayor, Blair's war and Blair's policies at home and abroad.'

Mr Hughes will say that when the Liberal Democrats won in the Newbury by-election it was the final straw that toppled Margaret Thatcher, and the Brent East by-election was the finale to the leadership of Iain Duncan-Smith. He will tell campaigners that if Ken Livingstone goes, Bob Crow will go and they will have played their part in getting rid of Tony Blair.

Simon Hughes will say:-

"If people keep Livingstone on Thursday, they keep Bob Crow, who was appointed by Livingstone to the board of Transport for London, and they'll keep Tony Blair. If they get rid of Livingstone, I will get rid of Crow and they will have played their part in getting rid of Tony Blair.

"The Labour Party across London is dissolving in front of their eyes and the Tories are watching their vote fragment and divide. It is only the Liberal Democrats who in London and nationally are strong and united, and only the Liberal Democrats that champion the needs of Londoners.

"I want an easier, safer and more united London. My vision is nothing less than a Greater London, the most exciting place in Europe and the world, where we are united in making this great capital a place we are all proud to live not some of the time but all of the time.

"London needs a Mayor who is nobody's pocket. Londoners don't want a Mayor who has been in the pocket of the unions or Tony Blair, and they don't want a Mayor who has been in the pocket of big business or Jarvis. Londoners need an independent Mayor who will fight for London at home and abroad, and will make London united. I will be that Mayor."

ENDS

WHO: Liberal Democrat Party Leader Charles Kennedy MP and London Mayoral candidate Simon Hughes, Sarah Ludford MEP

WHAT: Will give final key note speeches ahead of the 10th June election

WHEN: 18.45hrs Tuesday 8th June 2004

WHERE: Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street off Kingsway, London