LEWISHAM'S Mayoral candidates have been hot on the campaign trail this week in the final showdown before polling day.

The six contenders have been leafleting, attending hustings and hitting the streets in a bid to canvass support in what could be a closely-fought contest.

Those standing are current Mayor Steve Bullock (Labour); James Cleverly (Conservative); Chris Maines (Lib Dem); Mike Keogh (Green); John Hamilton (Independent) and Sinna Mani (Lewisham People's Alliance).

Labour councillors are also hoping to retain their stronghold on the town hall where they currently hold 41 of the 54 seats.

But political opponents are predicting a backlash among voters and say Labour's majority is likely to be slashed.

Chris Maines, who is vying to unseat the current mayor, said: "Labour will struggle to retain control of the council, even if Steve Bullock is re-elected as Mayor.

"The Liberal Democrats are confident of increasing our seven seats."

Mr Cleverly remained upbeat about his chances of success, saying there are enough Tory voters in Lewisham to swing the vote.

He said: "If people want to bring about a change they need to use their vote."

Mr Maines and Mr Cleverly stressed they would hold a referendum on the directly-elected mayoral system if they came to power.

Labour's Mr Bullock has called on voters to judge him on his record, not Tony Blair's or Gordon Brown's.

He said: "I am confident I will get re-elected but I expect to lose votes.

"I've been in politics long enough to realise there is a cycle and currently Labour at a national level is at a low point."

Visit newsshopper.co.uk/news/localelections for a list of polling stations.

See next week's News Shopper for an interview with the winner of the mayoral election.

HOW VOTING WORKS

  • The borough has 18 wards. People can vote for up to three councillors to represent their respective ward for four years.
  • People then vote for their chosen mayoral candidte in the first choice' column.
  • There is also an option to select another candidate by placing a cross in a circle in the second choice' column. If voters register two crosses next to the same name, the second vote will not be counted.