Ken Livingstone has criticised LBC for axing his morning radio show after a row over his claim Adolf Hitler supported a Jewish state, claiming he has been “sacked for telling the truth”.

The former London mayor said LBC wanted a “boring” presenter and as a “capitalist” station they should have realised the boost in listening figures he helped create was good for advertising.

Mr Livingstone has been told his contract for a Saturday morning politics show alongside former Tory minister David Mellor will not be renewed.

The decision came after the left-wing former Labour MP was suspended by his party and became embroiled in a heated public row with one of its backbenchers over the comments.