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'Pimps' forced me to quit, claims Ray Lewis
Robert Mendick, Chief Reporter17.07.08
The disgraced former deputy mayor Ray Lewis has broken his silence to effectively accuse his detractors of behaving like "pimps" in forcing him to quit.
In an astonishing internet posting, Mr Lewis also likened himself to civil rights leader Martin Luther King and the biblical figure Joseph.
Mr Lewis, who was forced to resign over allegations of sexual and financial misconduct, also promises to fight on in the battle to clear his name - and even hints at a return to the political arena.
The posting, on the website of the east London academy he founded to help black boys, is Mr Lewis's first public communication since resigning in a blaze of publicity on 4 July. He quit as London's deputy mayor for young people - Boris Johnson's first high-profile appointment - after the Evening Standard revealed he had lied about being a magistrate.
On his internet posting, Mr Lewis writes: "I still have a dream. History records the power, potential and dangers of people who dream and have visions.
"According to the biblical book of Genesis there lived a young dreamer named Joseph. Joseph was one of many brothers, and Sunday school children may remember him for he was favoured by his dad, who on one occasion bought him a rather nice multi-coloured coat.
"Importantly he was a man who had a dream... but there were some people who hated the dreamer...
"Dr Martin Luther King Jr was also a dreamer, he famously said 'I have a dream' - that dream or the pursuit of that dream would cost him his life.
"Both these dreamers would suffer because dreamers upset people, especially people who want a world with the sign up marked 'business as usual'. These people are pimps of poverty; they get up and get off by keeping us down.
"On Friday 4 July my dream for London was almost destroyed... I said almost... keep watching!"
Mr Lewis was unavailable for further comment today. The academy is currently closed until August.
Reader views (8)
This man physically abused children in his care, made inappropriate sexual advances to parishioners, stole from and defrauded vulnerable adults, lied about being a magistrate, lied about not knowing he was de-frocked, lied about where he lives and with who, and also got his girl friend to lie for him. And now he tries to take the moral high ground!?
Boris Johnson was wrong to appoint him but he was even more wrong to stop the investigation into his past.
- Tor Cromwell, London, England
Do as I say, don't do as I do. Mr Lewis?
- Eric Muldownie, London
Why is the term 'disgraced' not used for David Blunkett, Peter Haine, Tony Blair or even Mark Thatcher?
- Mazza, Yorkshire
Hahaha...what a complete and utter joker. A more pertinent question is how this fantasist ever managed to assume the position he did.
- Ben, London
The Johnson soap opera has only just begun. Ladies and gentlemen take a seat - this is going to be pure entertainment.
Forget the detractions set up by the administration(LDA)and watch the comedy unfold.
- John, London
Scary. How do people get their heads into places like this?
- M Wilkinson, London UK
It would appear he had ideas way above his station.
The gracious thing would be to admit his past mistakes and move on. Clearly his frustration and net rant shows a chip on his shoulder and an ego unleashed, not a good thing in public relations!
As for taking the religious high ground...
- Simon Caleb, London
Seems rather self delusional and therefore frightening. Thank heavens we are rid of him.
- Jilly, London, London
