Will Red Ken join the House of Lords?

Since being ousted from City Hall earlier this month, Ken Livingstone has made no secret (at least among his friends) of his hope to re-enter national politics. Some have talked about him possibly contesting his old constituency, Brent East, currently held by the Lib Dems; others have said he might have a shot at Kate Hoey's Vauxhall seat. However, friends of Livingstone are now talking of another, more speedy route back to Westminster - elevation to the House of Lords.

Although he once described the second chamber as "a dreadful prehistoric monstrosity", the London Evening Standard reports that Livingstone is not against the idea. It would certainly sidestep a potential battle with Gordon Brown, who despite his protestations of support for Ken during the mayoral elections is known not to be a fan.

Says former Europe minister, Denis MacShane: "Ken would be a natural for the House of Lords. It's always the Labour politicians who most hate the Lords and denounce it most fiercely who are most comfortable in it when the time comes. Lord Livingstone of London could join his old friends Lord Kinnock, Lord Hattersley and, of course, Lord Prescott on the comfortable seats in the second best club in London and discuss the old days."

MacShane adds that it could serve Livingstone's needs perfectly. "He could write book reviews, restaurant columns, and speeches for the after-dinner circuit and serve out his time until it is replaced by a second chamber." Labour MP Stephen Pound is less sure. "It's so off the planet it's bonkers," he says. "Someone is stirring mischief." Ken, perhaps.