Artists back Livingstone

They are among Britain's most prominent artists, producing works that attract praise and controversy and sell for tens of thousands of pounds.

Now 25 artists are banding together to use that considerable financial clout in a bid to help get Ken Livingstone re-elected as Mayor of London.

Tracey Emin, Ralph Steadman and Sir Anthony Caro are among those who have donated works to a fundraising auction for his election war-chest.

The event, Bid For Ken, will take place in north London next week, and organisers hope to increase Mr Livingstone's spending power by up to £40,000. The Mayor himself will auction the first lot - Peace on Earth, the Peter Kennard photomontage recently banned from the Brighten Up London campaign by mobile phone company Orange.

The pigment print, listed for auction with a £900 estimate, has been retitled Peace on Earth Banned By Orange.

Mr Livingstone, who faces a challenge from Conservative candidate Steve Norris and Liberal Democrat Simon Hughes, places great importance on support from the artistic community.

A similar auction four years ago raised £110,000.