Ken Livingstone walks out of interview with Croydon Advertiser

Ken Livingstone walked out of an interview with the Croydon Advertiser after the newspaper exposed the mayoral candidate’s lack of local knowledge.

While Livingstone was comfortable taking questions on transport and crime, he was less comfortable when asked about the name of the local theatre and football ground – and eventually walked out on interviewer David Churchill when asked about the population of Croydon.

Here’s an extract from the moments leading up to Livingstone’s walkout

Name Croydon’s main theatre.

“I don’t know.”

What is the name of Crystal Palace Football Club’s ground?

“I’m sorry, if I want to do a quiz I’ll go on Radio 4. I mean seriously, this is trivial nonsense.”

But it might not be trivial to people who live in Croydon.

“I think it is. I think people in Croydon want to know can I create jobs, bring transport infrastructure. I’m not going to do a crossword for you either. I’m not doing it for you or anybody else. I think it’s trivial. It’s everything that is wrong with the British media. What do you want me to do next, kiss a model?”

What is the population of Croydon?

“Very large.” [He walks out of the interview.]

Clieck here for the full interview.