Mayoral candidate Ken Livingstone pledged his support for our call for a Minister for Older People during a visit to a London care home yesterday.

On a day when the so-called “granny tax” was being debated in the Commons, the Labour candidate for Mayor was quizzed by the residents on his manifesto and what he plans to do for older Londoners.

Ken Livingstone said:
“I want to make sure that older Londoners gain the respect that they deserve after decades of contributing to society.

Supporting Anchor's Grey Pride campaign is a part of this; calling on the Government to appoint a dedicated Minister for Older People will ensure that today's older Londoners, and future generations, can look forward to happy and dignified lives."

Following the visit, Greenhive Manager and Grey Pride campaigner Connie Oppong said:

“We really enjoyed showing Ken Livingstone around our care home of which we are very proud.

“The customers liked asking him questions and getting direct answers about issues that concern them: the granny tax, how cuts are affecting health services, especially for people with dementia, and transport costs.

“I also spoke to him about the Grey Pride campaign which he said he wholeheartedly supported.”

Mr Livingstone joins a long list of politicians backing our call for a dedicated Minister for Older People, to see if your MP has shown their support view our campaign backing page.

What do our London members think of the mayoral candidates - do they all have older people at the heart of their manifestos?