News Shopper looks at the front runners for the Mayoral Election (From News Shopper)

News Shopper looks at the front runners for the Mayoral Election

2:49pm Wednesday 25th April 2012 in Bromley By Jim Palmer

AS THE race to be Mayor of London reaches the final furlong, JIM PALMER surveys the runners.

BORIS JOHNSON, Conservative, age 47

In elections like these, personality counts for more than policy.

If the likes of Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush can serve two terms as president of America, Boris Johnson can certainly win again in London.

Why vote for him? He’s got a nine point plan including saving £3.5bn of City Hall waste, creating 200,000 jobs and 1,000 more police. Go to backboris2012.com

Campaign low point(s) It has been an ugly fight. You may have seen the Not Ken Again campaign - on buses, letters, e-mails, web pages.

He had a row in a lift with Ken following a radio debate and is being sued by the RMT Union for portraying its General Secretary Bob Crow as "being part of a culture of political immorality and as having caused serious harm to the interests of people in London".

In 2008 Winner with 1,043,761 (42.48 per cent) first preference votes.

Chance He should have it in the bag, regardless of his party’s disasters nationally. Ladbrokes’ odds 2/ 7.

KEN LIVINGSTONE, Labour, age 66

Labour has leapt up the polls nationally, following a slew of unpopular Tory policies. Ken must be hoping this translates to votes for him, but the campaign trail has been a bumpy one, so it will be a tough task.

Why vote for him? Ken has promised to cut public transport fares, reverse policing cuts, bring back EMA and save Londoners’ energy bills. Go to kenlivingstone.com

Low Point(s) Having denounced tax avoiders, it was revealed he channelled earnings through a company, which allowed him to pay less tax.

He accused others of doing the same, but it backfired when they published their accounts.

Labour peer Lord Alan Sugar broke party ranks to tweet: "I seriously suggest NO-ONE votes for Livingstone in the Mayoral elections."

In 2008 Second with 893,877 (36.38 per cent) first preference votes.

Chance Ladbrokes gives him 5/2 to walk back into City Hall.

BRIAN PADDICK, Liberal Democrat, age 54

The Lib Dems are doing even worse than the Tories nationally, and although a solid performer with decent policies, the ex-Met Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner hasn’t made much of an impression. There’s a distinct possibility he may not even come third.

Why vote for him? He says 12 years of Ken and Boris have left London with expensive and overcrowded public transport, high rents and low ambitions.

His pledges include putting more bobbies on the beat and an outer London travelcard. Go to brianpaddick.com

In 2008 Distant third but had the highest number of second preference votes, 641,412 (26.11 per cent).

Chance None, 100/1.

THE ALSO-RANS

Siobhan Benita, Independent Former civil servant who says she is a credible alternative to Boris and Ken. A hot tip for third. 50/1 to win.

Jenny Jones, Green Deputy Mayor from 2003 to 2004. 200/1.

Lawrence Webb, UKIP Anti-Europe 200/1

Carlos Cortiglia, BNP 500/1.

Follow Jim’s coverage of Election Night at newsshopper.co.uk

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