|
Livingstone in the lead as polling day looms
 |
| Livingstone: Poll position |
Ken Livingstone is heading for re-election as the mayor of London on June 10 according to a new poll.
The Populus survey suggests that, after the reallocation of second-preference votes, Livingstone could beat Steve Norris, his Tory rival, by 58 to 42 per cent, the same as in 2000.
The poll comes as candidates mount a final push for the London mayoralty.
Over recent days Livingstone has talked up the prospect of a Steve Norris victory in order to boost turnout.
He believes that a low turnout could deprive him of the second preference votes which will boost his chances of victory.
Livingstone says he is standing on his record - although he admits that the Capital still faces real problems.
"It will take more than four years to solve those problems but, together with the Labour members of the London assembly, we secured a big increase in funding for London and started the policies and investment needed to improve the quality of life for Londoners," says the mayor.
Norris
Meanwhile Norris, who is campaigning with Tory leader Michael Howard on Thursday, insists there is still all to play for.
He says the mayor's record on crime will result in a poor showing for Livingstone on polling day.
"Everywhere I go in London, people tell me they don’t feel safe on their own streets any more," he says.
"Black or white, rich or poor, young or old, the message is the same. Street crime, vandalism and graffiti are blighting too many lives. That’s why cutting crime is my top priority."
Norris is also talking up Livingstone's readmission to Labour - pledging to fight hard for London with the government if he is elected.
Hughes
Charles Kennedy, meanwhile, is taking to the hustings with Liberal Democrat mayoral candidate Simon Hughes.
Despite trailing third in the polls, Hughes believes he can sell his distinctive brand to London voters.
He is also pledging to ensure each area has four locally based permanent police and four other officers.
"London should be a place where none of us have our lives damaged by crime or the fear of crime. It should be a city easy to travel around in. It should be cleaner and greener," says Hughes.
He has pledged to pedestrianise Oxford Street and radically reform the congestion charge if elected next week.
Meanwhile Green candidate Darren Johnson is standing on a ticket to "protect our environment and reduce the gap between rich and poor".
London votes
Counting for the London election takes place next Friday - with the result expected by mid-afternoon.
In total 10 candidates are standing for the London mayoralty.
Voters will be asked to cast four votes - first and second preference choices for the mayoral poll and one vote for their local London assembly member and one for a London party or independent candidate in the assembly.
A fifth vote will be case for the European parliamentary elections.
|
