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Anger as Ken Livingstone set to star on West End stage

Decision to book Mr Livingstone angers Jewish ticket holders

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Ken Livingstone is to star in a political comedy show at a West End theatre.

Mr Livingstone, currently suspended by the Labour Party over allegations of antisemitism, will be Matt Forde’s main guest for his Party Political Podcast Specials  at the Leicester Square Theatre on December 7.

Politicians who have previously appeared in the sell-out shows include Tony Blair, Neil Kinnock and Ruth Davidson.

The decision to book Mr Livingstone for the event has prompted an angry response from some Jewish ticket holders.

Simon Myerson QC wrote on Twitter: “Please. Ken Livingstone isn't funny. @mattforde wants him as a guest, but he is then allowed to present himself as amusing and won't be challenged. That isn't free speech. It's a free pass.”

Conservative MP Anna Soubry and former Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg will both appear on December 6 in the first of the two evenings, both of which are hosted by Mr Forde.

According to publicity material: “Both evenings promise to be a raucous end to the wildest year in British politics… yet.”

Gideon Falter, chairman of the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism, said it was wrong to give Mr Livingstone a platform while he was still under investigation.

He said: “There is nothing remotely funny about Ken Livingstone’s unapologetic claim that ‘Hitler was supporting Zionism’. It is outrageous that he is now due to share a platform with senior figures at such a prestigious venue.”

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