Jon Cruddas backs Ken Livingstone for mayoral race

Ken Livingstone's mayoral bid was boosted today by senior Labour MP Jon Cruddas.

The Dagenham & Rainham MP said a second stint for Mr Livingstone would mean "a top class Mayor from day one, who knows the levers of power".

Opponents of Mr Livingstone claim the party's selection contest has been skewed against rivals.

Former London Minister Jim Fitzpatrick, who is backing ex-MP Oona King, wrote to party chiefs alleging the contest was "tainted" because of a rushed timetable and rules that make it harder for outsiders to enter the race.

The Poplar and Limehouse MP even claimed the Livingstone camp could have privileged access to "insider information" such as membership lists.

Labour general secretary Ray Collins has denied that selection rules are giving the ex-mayor an unfair advantage. "No assistance has been given to any candidate to disadvantage another. I must refute your suggestion that Oona King and her campaign team are being kept in the dark," he said.

When Mr Livingstone became mayor he lost the Labour selection to Frank Dobson, then won as an independent.