Controversial politician Ken Livingstone, suspended by the Labour Party on Thursday amid an escalating row over alleged anti-Semitism within the Party, is due to be the guest speaker at an event later this year organised by the island’s Sporting and Dining Club.
Mr Livingstone, a former Labour MP and London Mayor, was dubbed ‘Red Ken’ in the 1980s in the wake of his support of controversial issues such as republicanism.
He was also involved in a bitter clash with then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her resulting abolition of the Greater London Council of which he was Leader.
A close friend of Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn, Mr Livingstone’s suspension from the party came after he made a number of controversial comments in the ‘Zionism’ row. In a statement the party said Mr Livingstone had been suspended ‘pending an investigation for bringing the Party into disrepute’ while Mr Corbyn told journalists his Party ‘won’t tolerate racism’.
In a BBC interview Mr Livingstone had defended Labour MP Naz Shah, who was suspended on Wednesday, for sharing allegedly anti-Semitic posts on social media.
‘An Evening with Ken Livingstone’ is due to take place at the Gaiety Theatre in Douglas on October 5 and will conclude with an open question and answer session.
John Wanennburgh, who founded the Sporting and Dining Club 10 years ago, said the event would be an opportunity to meet one of the UK’s most fascinating figures.
‘Like him or loathe him, he still has the power to mesmerise audiences when speaking about what is undoubtedly an extraordinary political career,’ he said.
He added: ‘For nearly 30 years this controversial political chameleon has been making headlines and continue to do so, antagonising, shocking and delighting the public and the media in equal measure.’
Tickets for the event are £17.50 and are available from the Villa Box Office, online or telephone 600555.
Over the past 10 years the Club, which has raised more than £60,000 for local charities and community projects, has brought leading celebrities to the island from the world of sport, entertainment, politics and business. Previous events have included England World Cup winning rugby captain Martin Johnson, Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish and explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE who will be making a return speaking engagement at the Royal Hall, Villa Marina on December 15.