THE INDEPENDENT: Ken Livingstone has pulled out of a BBC mayoral election debate after it emerged a British National Party candidate would be taking part.
The former London mayor said it was a "point of principle" that he would not share a platform with the far-right party.
Labour's candidate also told BNP voters he did not want their second preference votes when they get to the ballot box in next month's vote.
The debate, due to be hosted by BBC London 94.9 on Monday, is the latest in a series of head-to-head mayoral broadcasts but most have featured just the top three or four candidates.
Mr Livingstone said: "I have long held to the belief in no platform for the far right. The far right want to destroy our democracy and stand for the elimination of our basic rights.
"They cannot be treated as a legitimate part of politics. » | Sam Lister | Friday, April 20, 2012
