Current Affairs

PinkNews.co.uk editor to chair Stonewall hustings

Apr 03 2008
Written by PinkNews Staff Writer

The editor of PinkNews.co.uk has said he is excited about the upcoming gay hustings with the Mayor of London candidates after it was announced he will chair the event.

The incumbent Mayor and Labour candidate Ken Livingstone, Tory candidate Boris Johnson, the Lib Dem’s Brian Paddick, Green party candidate Sian Berry and Lindsey German, the Respect – The Left List’s candidate, have all confirmed their attendance.

Hundreds of people have already contacted Stonewall to indicate they will be attending the hustings on Saturday 19th April at the BFI Southbank, between 11am and 12.30pm.

It will be the last hustings event before Londoners go to the polls on May 1st.

“I am very honoured to be asked to chair this prestigious event,” said Tony Grew, editor of PinkNews.co.uk.

“I am sure it will be fascinating to see Boris, Ken, Brian, Sian and Lindsey discuss the issues that are of importance to the gay community with our audience, a matter of days before polling.”

“There are a million lesbian, gay and bisexual Londoners according to some estimates, so it is clear that the pink vote could prove decisive in this extremely close race for City Hall.”

The 25-member London Assembly will also be elected on May 1st.

Ben Summerskill, chief executive of Stonewall, said:

“We’re delighted that Tony has agreed to chair the hustings. We’re sure he’ll do it with his usual forensic attention to detail.”

PinkNews.co.uk is proud to be Stonewall’s media partner for the hustings, which will be held at between 11am and 12.30pm on Saturday 19th April.

The event is open to everyone, but in order to ensure a seat you must register here.

Full list of candidates for Mayor of London:

Richard Barnbrook

British National Party

Gerard Batten

UK Independence Party

Siân Berry

Green Party