Being Red: A Politics for the Future

Left Book Club

by Ken Livingstone

Following the unprecedented election of radical Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the British Labour Party in September, there was a tremendous surge of interest in the Party and its future. At a time when many hope to revive Labour's potential, Ken Livingstone provides a fascinating insider’s account of the Party at this pivotal moment in its history. Being Red takes us from the self-proclaimed radical socialism of the Greater London Council; to Livingstone’s controversial independent candidacy; to a head-to-head with Boris Johnson; to the political battles against privatization and pollution which characterized his time as mayor of London. At each point, he offers lessons for those who would seek to follow—or improve on—his achievements today.

Written by one of Britain's best-known and controversial politicians, Being Red provides a clear-sighted study on the current state of the British left, with reflections on its possibilities and limitations. Just in time for the upcoming 2016 British mayoral elections, this is a must-read for anyone interested in the recent surge in the Labour Party and the future of UK politics.

Genres: Politics

160 pages, Paperback

Published July 15, 2016

About the author

British Labour politician and former mayor of London.

Livingstone joined the Labour party in 1968 and is considered to be part of the hard-left wing of the party.

In 2000 he was elected for mayor of London.

Reviews

[Isaac Hulse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Livingston comes across well throughout this thought provoking reading. His discussions are reasonable and (mostly) sensible. The media, transport and housing were all discussed in this way but perhaps the most interesting discussion in the book was surrounding quantitative easing; something I'll need to think and read more on. I generally enjoyed his attitude towards both himself and politics; he has utter conviction and belief in his ideas and philosophy but doesn't take himself too seriously. I doubt it'll be the best book you'll ever read but worth picking up of you get the chance.

[aoife · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really uplifting and hopeful read— although somewhat too optimistic for Jeremy’s leadership of the Labour Party. Ken’s politics are squarely trying to the furthest left of the possible, and his relentless focus on (and love of) economic policy to improve normal people’s lives is a great example how the left can, actually, govern.

[Max Baldwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was a interesting read when it comes to things to do with the GLC but as soon as it becomes more or less a glorification of Ken as a politican. Have to take what is written in this book with a lot of perspective because it is insanely biased.

[Nandini · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the interview between Anna Minton and Ken Livingstone - he has a fun, humorous manner that makes the politics highly enjoyable.

[Damien Hanrahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ken is clearly a great guy and the book was fun to read but it was a bit self serving and didn't offer much in terms of value

[Titus Hjelm · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is *not* a book by Ken Livingstone, but rather a collection of interviews, one piece on Livingstone's love of art, and two original pieces. These two are the highlight. The interviewer has done her homework very well, but although the preface says that the aim is not to duplicate Livingstone's autobiography, that is exactly what the interviews especially do. Not great, not bad, but the LBC could step up the game a bit.