Livingstone tipped for return as London Mayor
Ken Livingstone is being widely tipped to retain his position as London Mayor.
But opinion polls indicate that the race may be closer than initially thought.
Four years ago, when running as an independent, Mr Livingstone won with 57.9 per cent of the vote, clearly ahead of Steve Norris on 42.1 per cent.
However, a MORI/ITV poll last night put Mr Livingstone at 53 per cent only just ahead of Mr Norris on 46 per cent.
A YouGov/Sky News poll gave a similar poll prediction with 53 per cent to 47 per cent.
These results take into account people’s second preference votes, which come into play if no candidate manages to secure over 50 per cent of the vote in the first run off.
Such votes are harder to predict accurately.
If the trend of Labour seat losses is reflected in London, then the London Assembly could assume a much greater political significance.
The assembly is responsible for scrutinising the Mayor’s performance and it has the power to amend the budget if it can command a two thirds majority.
With Labour holding nine of the 25 seats in his first term Mr Livingstone was effectivly guaranteed a free hand on the budget.
But if the national Labour losses are reflected in London then Mr Livingstone could face a much rockier second term.
