Returning to his leftist roots, he went out of his way to insult US President George Bush during his state visit last year, much to Blair's disgust, and he has been a fervent critic of Blair's foreign policy.
Earlier this year local elections through much of the country saw Labour severely punished for Blair's Iraq policy, but Livingstone, running this time on an official party ticket, was returned comfortably, albeit on a reduced majority.
Londoners remain faithful to their mayor, although some are skeptical of his grandstanding.
Livingstone is campaigning hard to bring the 2012 Olympic Games to the city, despite serious doubts that the transport network could cope, even with significant investment.
And now the bizarre notion of Formula One cars howling down the Mall, the route the queen takes for processions of state with her mounted guardsmen and colorful military bands, has tickled the public's fancy.
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