Women's group calls for resignation

Women's groups have called on Mr Livingstone to resign for allegedly manhandling his pregnant girlfriend at a drunken party last month.

His behaviour prompted Women's Aid, a group that offers refuge to victims of domestic abuse, to call for Mr Livingstone's resignation.

Spokeswoman Rosemary Jackson said: "For any man to manhandle a woman is bad enough, but for someone in a high-profile role like that of Mayor it is even worse because of the kind of message it sends out to the public.

She added: "I think he should be sent on an anger management course and sit in on what is called a ' perpetrator group' where he can learn to deal with his dominance and control issues."

Paul Tully, general secretary of the Society for the Protection of the Unborn Child, said: "The unborn child is a vulnerable individual throughout pregnancy and we would call for greater love and consideration from all expectant fathers in particular. This should be encouraged by politicians and those in the public eye."

The Mayor's behaviour was also condemned by a member of the Simon Wolff Foundation, which campaigns for health and environment issues.

Nina Tuckman, who has had dealings with Mr Livingstone, said he was "a poor example as London mayor" and his dominating attitude appeared to be the same when dealing with issues in his official capacity.

"His behaviour is totally unacceptable. As a public figure he should have more control. The verbal abuse he gave to his girlfriend and others at the party seems to be of someone who won't listen unless it's something he agrees with.

"His attitude is dreadful but then he seems to be the same when it comes to fighting issues like public transport and the roads.

She added: "I was angry at the way he has acted over not just the campaigns I've been involved in but in what he's doing to London as a whole. He is just not capable and this situation proves it."