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02/05/2008
'Bungling Boris' Beating 'Limp Livingstone'
Early reports from the London Mayoral election count put Conservative candidate Boris Johnson ahead in the race over the incumbent Ken Livingstone.
With 27% of votes counted in each of the 14 electoral areas, the blond fop of Johnson has the lead in nine areas while Labour's Livingstone limps behind in the remaining five.
The final results are not expected until after 8.30pm on Friday.
Turnout is estimated a relatively impressive 45%, which is not only up from 36.95% in 2004, but is also around 10% higher than the council elections, which are also being counted.
Opinion polls placed Mr Livingstone and Mr Johnson in a dead heat, with Lib Dem’s strident ex-police commander candidate Brian Paddick a distant third.
As the early indications leaked out, Boris Johnson said: "I think the party's done fantastically nationally but London is a very different kettle of fish and we'll have to see what happens."
Although the results look in favour of Boris, the figure only covers roughly a quarter of the total votes cast and is only a record of the first preference votes.
Brian Paddick's performance is expected to pick up as the second preferences votes come through. The two main candidates' diametric opposition to each other is believed to leave voters unwilling to pass their second preference onto the competition, leaving Mr Paddick to pick up the leftovers.
The election will also decide the 25 members of the London Assembly, which scrutinises the work of the mayor.
Mr Livingstone has proved a controversial Mayor, and although the influential ex-Labour backbencher won the last two mayoral elections, in each case the count went to second preference votes.
Boris Johnson's celebrity profile is thought to have garnered enough attention to push the conservative candidate past the post despite a career famously fraught with gaffs and calamity.
(DW/JM)
With 27% of votes counted in each of the 14 electoral areas, the blond fop of Johnson has the lead in nine areas while Labour's Livingstone limps behind in the remaining five.
The final results are not expected until after 8.30pm on Friday.
Turnout is estimated a relatively impressive 45%, which is not only up from 36.95% in 2004, but is also around 10% higher than the council elections, which are also being counted.
Opinion polls placed Mr Livingstone and Mr Johnson in a dead heat, with Lib Dem’s strident ex-police commander candidate Brian Paddick a distant third.
As the early indications leaked out, Boris Johnson said: "I think the party's done fantastically nationally but London is a very different kettle of fish and we'll have to see what happens."
Although the results look in favour of Boris, the figure only covers roughly a quarter of the total votes cast and is only a record of the first preference votes.
Brian Paddick's performance is expected to pick up as the second preferences votes come through. The two main candidates' diametric opposition to each other is believed to leave voters unwilling to pass their second preference onto the competition, leaving Mr Paddick to pick up the leftovers.
The election will also decide the 25 members of the London Assembly, which scrutinises the work of the mayor.
Mr Livingstone has proved a controversial Mayor, and although the influential ex-Labour backbencher won the last two mayoral elections, in each case the count went to second preference votes.
Boris Johnson's celebrity profile is thought to have garnered enough attention to push the conservative candidate past the post despite a career famously fraught with gaffs and calamity.
(DW/JM)
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05 September 2011
Paddick Is Lib Dem London Mayor Candidate
Brian Paddick has been formally unveiled as the Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of London at a press conference on Monday morning. Paddick is believed to be third in the running behind Boris Johnson and Ken Livingstone for the next Mayoral race, taking place in 2012.
Paddick Is Lib Dem London Mayor Candidate
Brian Paddick has been formally unveiled as the Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of London at a press conference on Monday morning. Paddick is believed to be third in the running behind Boris Johnson and Ken Livingstone for the next Mayoral race, taking place in 2012.
24 September 2010
Livingstone Wins Nomination
Ken Livingstone has polled 68.8% of the votes to win Labour's nomination for the 2012 London mayoral election. Mr Livingstone, who served two terms as London mayor between 2000 and 2008, defeated former MP Oona King in the election. He will now run against Conservative representative Boris Johnson.
Livingstone Wins Nomination
Ken Livingstone has polled 68.8% of the votes to win Labour's nomination for the 2012 London mayoral election. Mr Livingstone, who served two terms as London mayor between 2000 and 2008, defeated former MP Oona King in the election. He will now run against Conservative representative Boris Johnson.
31 March 2008
Cameron Supports Johnson In Mayoral Race
Race frontrunner Boris Johnson - who is expected to beat rival Ken Livingstone for the prestigious role of Mayor of London - has been enjoying some high level support. The Tory candidate is being backed by party Leader David Cameron who said that Mr Johnson is "twice as charismatic and energetic" as his rival Livingstone.
Cameron Supports Johnson In Mayoral Race
Race frontrunner Boris Johnson - who is expected to beat rival Ken Livingstone for the prestigious role of Mayor of London - has been enjoying some high level support. The Tory candidate is being backed by party Leader David Cameron who said that Mr Johnson is "twice as charismatic and energetic" as his rival Livingstone.
24 August 2009
England Celebrate Ashes Victory
England's cricket squad are celebrating their Ashes victory over Australia. The Queen led the tributes after England secured a 2-1 series win at the Oval on Sunday, reclaiming the coveted ashes urn.
England Celebrate Ashes Victory
England's cricket squad are celebrating their Ashes victory over Australia. The Queen led the tributes after England secured a 2-1 series win at the Oval on Sunday, reclaiming the coveted ashes urn.
29 July 2014
£10 Diesel Car Charge Considered For Central London
It has been reported that a plan to charge drivers of diesel cars £10 to drive into central London are being considered. According to a report by the Times, London Mayor Boris Johnson will lobby the government for an increase in road tax for diesel cars as part of a new Ultra Low Emission Zone he hopes to be introduced by 2020.
£10 Diesel Car Charge Considered For Central London
It has been reported that a plan to charge drivers of diesel cars £10 to drive into central London are being considered. According to a report by the Times, London Mayor Boris Johnson will lobby the government for an increase in road tax for diesel cars as part of a new Ultra Low Emission Zone he hopes to be introduced by 2020.
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