Showbiz stars condemn mayor's suspension
Showbiz stars including former Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker today condemned London Mayor Ken Livingstone’s suspension as an “outrage against democracy”.
Turner Prize-winner Jeremy Deller, poet Michael Rosen, artist Ralph Steadman and actress Susan Woolridge have also signed a letter of support.
Cocker is famed for his attack on Michael Jackson at the Brit Awards in 1996 when he ran on-stage, lifted up his shirt and wiggled his bottom at Jackson and the audience.
The bands Saint Etienne and The Futureheads, plus Billy Bragg, Chris Geddes of Belle And Sebastian and Sean Rowley of Guilty Pleasures are also backing Mr Livingstone.
In a joint statement they said: “This is the second time Ken Livingstone has been removed from the elected leadership of London government by people who have no mandate from Londoners. The first time was by Margaret Thatcher and now by this quango.
“It is astonishing that in a modern democracy an election can be overturned by three people who no one has ever heard of and who have not been elected by anyone.
“It is an outrage against democracy and it should be removed immediately.”
Others named on the statement include writer Susie Orbach, comic Arthur Smith, poet Carol Ann Duffy, musician Robert Wyatt and comedian Mark Thomas.
