Ken Livingstone's war hero roots Ever wondered where Ken Livingstone, London's first Mayor, gets his strength of conviction? Like him or loathe him, Ken is one of the most provocative public figures around. His desire to challenge the established order has meant controversy has remained his faithful companion throughout his career - just ask the 8 million Londoners affected by the recent congestion charges... But he's also attracted widespread support.

Within hours of the bombings which shook London in July 2005, a visibly-shaken Ken delivered a moving off-the-cuff speech thousands of miles away in Singapore, where London's winning bid to host the 2012 Olympics had been announced only the previous day. He is also an active supporter and instigator of policies and cultural events designed to stamp out racist attacks and celebrate the capital's multi-culturalism.

So where does he get this drive from? Well, his family roots reveal some interesting details. Kenneth Robert Livingstone was born on 17th June 1945 to parents he described as "working class Tories". Ken's father, Bob, served as an officer in the Merchant Navy in the Second World War, helping the Soviet Resistance effort against the Nazis by transporting critical supplies to Murmansk in northern Russia. During a routine mission, his ship was torpedoed, leaving him adrift for several days in the Irish Sea before being rescued.

Miraculously he survived and whilst on leave he met his future wife Ethel, a conjuror's assistant, during a visit to a magic show in Workington, Cumbria. Three months later, the couple married and five years later, Ken was born. Ken is regarded as having inherited his showmanship and coolness under pressure from both his mother and father.

During an interview in 2005, Ken also shared his belief that his maternal grandmother, Zona, may have been Jewish. Further research into Ken's family's history by Ancestry.co.uk also revealed a grocer, wool washer, baker and errand boy as well as two war heroes amongst the family ranks. His maternal grandfather, Charles Kennard, a master builder by trade, saw active service in World War One as an infantry soldier (Dorsetshire Regiment) during the Gallipoli campaign. He was decorated three times for bravery, but Charles's life ended abruptly when he was killed in battle in Arras, France, in May 1917.

Whether driven by a desire to discover what makes us who we are or a sense of responsibility to leave an enduring legacy for future family generations, family history is open to all, irrespective of class - something Ken would surely support.