Livingstone reveals full list of high profile supporters

Ken Livingstone’s campaign today released the names of prominent individuals supporting his re-election.

Among these people are London fashion designer Ozwald Boateng, as well as Vivienne Westwood who has previously announced her support; Oscar winning actor Emma Thompson; David Campbell, Chief Executive of O2, London’s most successful new music and culture venue who has brought bands like the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin to play live shows in the capital, and social justice activist Bianca Jagger.

Many of the supporters are backing Ken because of the strong stance he has taken against the war in Iraq.

These include Bloc Party, Vivienne Westwood, Adrian Sherwood (on-u sound), Ed Simons (chemical brothers), Sean Rowley, Stephen Duffy and the Lilac Time, Ashley Beedle (X - Press II), Duke Spirit, Beardyman, Trojan Soundsystem, Ralph Steadman, Chas Smash (Madness), Captain Sensible, Susie Orbach.

A number of musicians and DJs are backing Ken because of his record on fighting racism and fascism. They have called for a vote for him and for people to turn out to keep the BNP out of City Hall.

Among those people are Richard Archer (Hard Fi), Bashy, Jerry Dammers (ex The Specials), Don Letts,  Jon McClure (Reverend and the Makers), John Carroll (X-ray Spex), Zillah Carroll (Rubella Ballet), Juggy D, Metz and Trix, DJ Rabin Bodi, and Ty.

Individuals who have already supported a first or second preference vote for Ken Livingstone include: former Director General of the BBC, Greg Dyke; actor Prunella Scales; comedians Jo Brand, Alistair McGowan, Arthur Smith and Richard Wilson; artists Banksy, musicians Billy Bragg, Captain Sensible formerly of The Damned and Chas Smash of Madness; as well as Doreen Lawrence, Rodney Bickerstaffe of the National Pensioners’ Convention, Gemma Tumelty President of the National Union of Students and the film producer Lord David Puttnam.

Iconic Camden venue the Electric Ballroom has called for a vote for Ken.

Friends of the Earth, which cannot officially endorse a candidate, has  ranked Ken as the 'greenest' mayoral candidate, with FoE director, Tony Juniper, saying Ken "is one of the few British politicians to have shown genuine leadership on green issues and put London at the forefront of efforts to tackle climate change."

Greenpeace praised London's record on the environment over the last 8 years by saying "Ken Livingstone is showing how the largest city in Europe can combat climate change. No other leader is on the same page." Ken has been endorsed by leading green campaigner, Jonathon Porritt, who said 'The prospect of Boris Johnson becoming Mayor is just so scary.'

Over 25 artists donated pieces of work to raise money for Ken Livingstone’s campaign to be re elected as Mayor including Antony Gormley, Peter Kennard, Turner prize winner Jeremy Deller, Billy Childish, Richard Hamilton, Catherine Yass, Mark Quinn, Banksy and Mona Hatoum.