Former London mayor Ken Livingstone has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s

The family of former London mayor Ken Livingstone has announced he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

His family say he’s being ‘well cared for by his family and friends’ as he lives a ‘private life’ in retirement.

Mr Livingstone was previously a figurehead of the Labour left and served as MP for Brent. He was a prominent figure in London politics for more than four decades from the 1970s.

Nicknamed ‘Red Ken’, he was a harsh critic of the Tories under Margaret Thatcher, as well as a thorn in the side of Sir Tony Blair’s Labour government.

In a statement his family said: ‘In response to media enquiries the Livingstone family today announce that Ken Livingstone, ex-MP for Brent and former mayor of London, has been diagnosed with and is living with Alzheimer’s disease.

‘Although a previously prominent public figure, Ken is now retired and lives a private life.

‘He will no longer be available for any media interviews or requests and we will not be responding to any media questions or enquiries.

‘Ken is being well cared for by his family and friends and we ask you for your understanding and to respect his privacy and that of his family.’

Mr Liviungstone served as mayor of London from May 2000, when the role was first created, until he lost to Boris Johnson in 2008.

During his time in the role he earned praise for the way he stood up for London after the July 2005 suicide bombings and helped win the 2012 Olympic Games for the capital.

The Alzheimer’s Society praised his family for ‘being open about his diagnosis’.

Chief executive Kate Lee said: ‘We are really sorry to hear that Ken Livingstone is living with Alzheimer’s disease. Our thoughts are with him and his family.

‘We can see from the high profile individuals who have recently spoken about their dementia diagnosis, including Alastair Stewart and Fiona Phillips amongst others, how prevalent dementia is.

‘One in three people born in the UK today will go on to develop this devastating condition.

How do you remember Ken Livingstone’s time as London mayor?Comment Now

‘We’re grateful to Ken’s family for being open about his diagnosis which will really help increase public understanding.

‘It’s crucial we get people talking because a problem of this scale won’t go away on its own.

‘Receiving a diagnosis can be daunting, but we believe it’s better to know. Our website has plenty of resources, including a downloadable symptoms checklist that people can take with them to their GP.

‘Please get in touch with Alzheimer’s Society if you need support.’

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