Red Ken baffled at housing plan slam

London Mayor Ken Livingstone has talked of his bemusement at the misguided criticism of his plan to provide cut-price residential quarters for a "vitally needed" worker in the centre of London. The idea of helping those carrying out essential tasks to live in decent lodgings in the centre of capital that might be unaffordable otherwise, has been backed by many groups for some time yet this announcement drew fire from some quarters.

"It's true the scheme is only at the very earliest stage right now," Livingstone stated at a press conference at City Hall set up to make clear the need for the move — with the start sadly delayed for over 30 minutes while his taxi tried to navigate a long queue of bendy buses in New Oxford Street. "One of the areas most hard to find affordable properties in is Knightsbridge", he continued, "and that's why I've done something about it."

The progressive proposal has seen a "key TfL worker" allocated an "affordable" property in that area — a person who would have been unable to rent or buy, at least at while at the same time putting away millions in savings.

The worker concerned — a recent immigrant to the country called Mr Kiley — has refused to speak to the press about the plan. The Mayor has also explained that he will ensure a "reasonable sum" of money is paid to the key worker "on top of the housing allocation" to ensure he can afford the bus fare to work "or if not he'll have to walk to his chauffeur-driven car and get to work that way".

Previously

• Livingstone to walk after newspaper shock revelation
• Why don't Mayors take the bus, mummy?
• Revealed: Red Ken Livingstone's triumvirate of terror