I have at different times in my life been both a supporter and a vehement opponent of the former Greater London Mayor and former leader of the Greater London Council, Ken Livingstone. Many of the problems that London has today, especially regarding those problems involving identity politics, I believe can be traced back to his leadership of the Greater London Council in the 1980’s.
However I have to say that all this vehement dislike of the man and his politics needs to be put aside following the news that Ken Livingstone is suffering from what seems like advanced stage Alzheimer’s Disease. This is a condition I would not wish on my worst enemy. It’s a horrible condition that robs a person of their personality and leaves them as little more than a husk of their former selves.
Sky News said:
Ken Livingstone, the former London Mayor and one-time figurehead of the Labour left, is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, his family has announced.
He is being “well cared for by his family and friends” as he lives a “private life” in retirement, they said in a statement issued to the PA news agency.
It comes after it was reported that the former MP withdrew a legal challenge to the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) report into into Labour antisemitism.
The statement said: “In response to media enquiries the Livingstone family today announce that Ken Livingstone, ex-MP for Brent and former Mayor of London, has been diagnosed with and is living with Alzheimer’s disease.
“Although a previously prominent public figure, Ken is now retired and lives a private life. He will no longer be available for any media interviews or requests and we will not be responding to any media questions or enquiries.
“Ken is being well cared for by his family and friends and we ask you for your understanding and to respect his privacy and that of his family.”
Judging by the tone and the content of Mr Livingstone’s family’s statement it would seem that his condition is no longer in the early stages and may well be quite advanced. This is a horrible end for a man who was once a dynamic figure in local government and left wing politics.
Whether you liked or even disliked Ken Livingstone it’s right that we recognise that Alzheimer’s is a terrible affliction and an enemy to us all no matter what our politics or viewpoint. If you want to contribute to research into Alzheimer’s and to provide assistance to those suffering from this condition then please consider giving a donation to The Alzheimer’s Society.
It’s tragic when this awful disease/degenerative condition robs someone of their personality. I’ve known a few now. Ken is now 78, so has had his 3 score & ten – tough times or his family and yes, I agree, we should put aside all the harm he did to politics in the UK.
But it’s hard to excuse antisemitism from otherwise intelligent people.
No newts were harmed by this reply.
Thanks for your compassionate post and the link to the Alzheimer’s Society. But just to add that this so far very little understood condition and associated mental impairments can also occur in much younger people for no apparent reason, i.e. it is not just an inevitability associated with our declining years. So much of a reason to support research into it.
Agree. People often forget about early onset Alzheimer’s