At it again: Ken says ‘richer’ London Jews vote Tory
As the Jewish community got richer, it voted for Mrs Thatcher, according to former London Mayor Ken Livingstone, who this week repeated claims that Jews are more likely to vote Tory.
Appearing on BBC’s Newsnight on Monday, Red Ken revisited old ground, claiming that Jews were now “richer” and that their voting patterns had changed as a result.
“Fifty years ago the Roman Catholic community, the Irish community, the Jewish community, were solidly Labour. As the Jewish community got richer, it moved over to voting for Mrs Thatcher in Finchley.”
“He last made comments to this effect during the Mayoral election,” said Adrian Cohen of London Jewish Form. “Politicians shouldn’t write off parts of the electorate based on crude assumptions about their perceived affluence. Many Jews are not rich – indeed many struggle to make ends meet.”
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.



















