Polls predict close finish in mayoral race
LONDONERS yesterday went to the polls and selected their mayor for the next four years – but the result will not be known until late this evening.
A final YouGov poll issued yesterday morning suggested that Boris Johnson was on track for a 53-47 victory over Ken Livingstone once second preference votes are taken into account.
Automated counting of ballot papers will only begin at eight o’clock this morning.
All recent polls have pointed to a narrow lead for the incumbent mayor despite the unpopularity of his Conservative party at present.
Both sides were reportedly concerned by low turnout levels on a damp and overcast day.
A victory for Johnson would be a boost for Prime Minister David Cameron in the face of poor poll ratings, especially since the Conservatives are expected to lose hundreds of seats in yesterday’s local council elections held outside the capital.