Former London Mayor Ken Livingstone Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease

Former London Mayor Ken Livingstone Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease

Livingstone’s Illness Confirmed by Family

Ken Livingstone, the two-term mayor of London and former Labour MP, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The announcement was made by his family, who confirmed that the 78-year-old is being well cared for by them and his friends. Livingstone has now retired and will no longer be available for media interviews or requests.

Alzheimer’s Disease in England

The diagnosis rate for dementia, which includes Alzheimer’s disease, was found to be 62% in England in 2022. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that impairs memory and other mental functions. It is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life.

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Support from Alzheimer’s Society

Kate Lee, the chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, expressed her condolences to the Livingstone family. She thanked them for their openness about the diagnosis, stating that it contributes to increasing public understanding of the disease.

Livingstone’s Political Career

Livingstone has been a prominent figure in British politics for over four decades. He was elected to the Lambeth borough council in 1971. He later served as the leader of the Greater London Council (GLC) from 1981 to 1986, and as the MP for Brent East in north-west London from 1987 to 2001.

Livingstone was mayor of London from 2000 to 2008. During his tenure, he played a significant role in London’s bid for the 2012 Olympic Games and in managing the aftermath of the 2005 terrorist attack. Livingstone was expelled from the Labour party in 2000, after he ran against the party’s official candidate in the London mayoral election. He was later readmitted by then Prime Minister, Tony Blair.

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Livingstone’s Controversies and Resignation from Labour Party

In 2018, Livingstone resigned from the Labour party due to issues surrounding his suspension for alleged antisemitism. His resignation marked the end of a two-year investigation into his conduct. Despite the allegations, Livingstone maintained that he was not guilty of antisemitism or bringing the Labour party into disrepute.