I’m a believer in forgiveness. I have worked with people who have been in gangs and now dedicate their lives to helping inner city kids. I’ve run offender services with teachings of responsibility, empathy and understanding of the victims at their heart. I’ve seen people change. Contrition is king.

If and when he has made apologies, they are often delivered too late and are mealy-mouthed

Ken Livingstone appears incapable of contrition. That is why he must be thrown out of the Labour party. He is so certain he is right about everything, he won’t come close to change. He has got away with it again and again, bolstering his confidence each time. He has a well-worn flak jacket leading him to be a repeat offender, leaving almost no one unharmed by his shrapnel. Jewish people, decent members of the Labour party, the mentally ill, mild-mannered people from south London all bear the wounds.

If and when he has made apologies, they are often delivered too late and are mealy-mouthed, and the worst of all apologies is the one that takes no responsibility for their actions. As my parents told me in childhood: “sorry is just a word”. It is changing your behaviour that proves you are sorry.

As in all groups of people, down every street and in every office in the land, the Labour party contains a fool with ill-informed views who likes to be a bit controversial. They do everyone’s head in and things would be better if they just shut up. The Labour party is mainly full of amazing people who care so much about equality and social justice they are probably a bit of a bore at a family do. It is Labour this week who have fought with all their hearts and grit to help refugee children left all alone in Europe. We are the goodies.

There are very strong feelings in the party about recognising the state of Palestine, as well as strong feelings about the protection of the state of Israel. Most people fall sensibly in both camps. To achieve peace, a conversation around the issues must be had without reverting to vile, offensive and racist language. Livingstone might not think he is offensive, but communication is a two-way street and frankly he should check his privilege.

The Labour party cannot let the Tories lecture us on racism. We cannot let them be the guardians of what is right, we are all doomed if that happens. If we don’t take action when people are antisemitic (whether they think they are or not) we won’t have a leg to stand on when injustice and prejudice continues.

I like second chances; I’ve had a few myself. But Livingstone has spent his final chance. As we say in Birmingham “Ta-ra a bit, bab” – mind the door doesn’t hit you as you leave.