Livingstone Loses His 'Right Hand'

Lee Jasper's suspension today will have severe political and emotional implications for Ken Livingstone. He has relied on Jasper as a political and emotional crutch. When he stormed out of this week's GLA budget meeting ranting anf raving, all he could splutter was "get me Lee". Jasper has a svengali like influence over Livingstone. When politicians lose their key ally in situations like this, they tend to become directionless and listless. It will be interesting to see how the Mayor copes without his favourite little playmate.

Perhaps Livingstone will now apologise to Andrew Gilligan and the Evening Standard for his slurs upon them. If it hadn't been for them, Jasper's financial dealings would neve rhave been exposed.