Equality and Diversity

Boris vows to build on Livingstone’s equality legacy

Boris Johnson has told key stakeholders and reporters that he wants to build on the equal opportunities legacy of former Mayor Ken Livingstone to create a London where everyone “can reach their true potential and contribute to London’s success.”

Mayor Johnson was speaking at City Hall as he launched Equal Life Chances For All, a new consultation document which sets out policies he intends to pursue to increase accessibility and inclusiveness in the capital.

Johnson started this morning’s launch by paying tribute to Livingstone’s work in bringing less advantaged groups in from the margins and praised the GLA’s record on equality initiatives.

A key element of the consultation is an online survey which will be be available on london.gov.uk from 3rd December and all those who experience difficulties getting around the capital are encouraged to take part.

Speaking this morning Johnson said: “My ambition is to improve the quality of life for all Londoners.  It is frankly a disgrace that in the 21st century, in a city full of skills, resources and opportunities, anyone should be living under the poverty line, failing to find employment or struggling to move around the city.”

Johnson was joined by Richard Barnes, Deputy Mayor of London, who said the administration “are widening the traditional outlook of equalities and making it more inclusive as we understand everyone from white working class families to Eastern Europeans seeking work and recent immigrants need extra help and support at times.”