The former London mayor lashed out at the Labour MP Kevan Jones who has spoken openly about his mental health problems and suffering from depression.
A classy start to the former London mayor and world's most divisive newt enthusiast Ken Livingstone's new role in the Labour party. Having just been appointed to lead a review into Labour's defence policies, Livingstone hit out in a deeply insensitive outburst at one of his critics in the party.
Kevan Jones MP questioned Jeremy Corbyn's decision to put a famously anti-nuclear politician in charge of reviewing Labour's stance on replacing Trident, which triggered Livingstone's offensive outburst to the Mirror:
“I think he might need some psychiatric help. He's obviously very depressed and disturbed.
“He should pop off and see his GP before he makes these offensive comments.”
Three years ago, Jones spoke about his mental health problems in parliament, explaining how he had been suffering from deep depression. He calls Livingstone's comments "gravely offensive not just personally but also to the many thousands who suffer from mental illness", adding that "offensive statements like this just reinforce the stigma about mental illness".
Livingstone denies that he was aware of Jones' history of depression, claiming he hadn't heard of the MP before now, and has refused to apologise.
Ken Livingstone tells me he was not aware that Kevan Jones suffered from depression - but refuses to retract his remarks.
— Pippa Crerar (@PippaCrerar) November 18, 2015
Livingstone refuses to apologise FOUR times on LBC re Kevan Jones comments. "He was rude about me, I was rude back..he needs to get over it"
— Craig Woodhouse (@craigawoodhouse) November 18, 2015
A spokesperson for Corbyn urges Livingstone to apologise:
"Jeremy is incredibly concerned that people with mental health problems shouldn't be stigmatised. He has worked with Kevan in the past on this issue and is impressed by his bravery in speaking out on his own mental health issues. Ken should apologise to him straight away."
And Labour's shadow mental health minister Luciana Berger has also condemned Livingstone's comments:
My response to @ken4london's mental health related comments pic.twitter.com/YyRMzpaQm0
— Luciana Berger (@lucianaberger) November 18, 2015
But there is one person defending poor old Ken! And that person is George Galloway. Yep.
the witch-hunt turns on Ken Livingstone. Tooth by tooth claw by claw they are trying to defang JC. I defend Ken. pic.twitter.com/4xeTxC7gxc
— George Galloway (@georgegalloway) November 18, 2015