THE first hustings in the battle to become Labour's mayoral candidate for London was held in Harrow Weald this week.
Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London between 2004 and 2008, and former Bethnal Green and Bow MP, Oona King, each gave a short presentation and took questions from the floor. Monday's meeting was organised by Labour Harrow West MP, Gareth Thomas (pictured) and Greenhill ward councillor, Ben Wealthy.
About 60 party members and councillors, as well as ex-Harrow East MP, Tony McNulty, took part at the party fundraiser at the Baracuda restaurant in Headstone Parade.
Mr Wealthy said: "Gareth was very keen to get both candidates down to Harrow to give members the opportunity to have a conversation about what they stood for.
"We asked the candidates to give us a five-minute speech and then we asked them very probing questions to see what they were going to do on the big issues in Harrow, notably the withdrawal of funding for disabled access at Harrow-onthe-Hill station."
He added: "I think Ken and Oona are quite different. Ken has a lot of experience, but Oona is a fresh face and offers something new. Both are excellent candidates and whoever is selected is going to a great candidate for the party."
The party's candidate for the 2012 election will be decided by a ballot of party members in the capital, the result of which will be announced on September 24.
