• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

MayorWatch

London News and Comment

  • NEWS
  • Twitter

New poll puts Boris just 2 points ahead

April 23, 2012 - Martin Hoscik@MayorWatch

Ken Livingstone and Boris Johnson, May 2008. Photo: MayorWatch
Boris Johnson’s lead over rival Ken Livingstone has slipped to just 2% according to a new YouGov poll.

The poll, commissioned for the Evening Standard newspaper, suggests Mr Johnson has the support of 51% while Mr Livingstone is the preferred choice of 49%.

Last week the polling company placed Johnson 6 points ahead of Livingstone, slightly down on an earlier 8 point lead.

Mr Livingstone had started the year with a 2 point lead over Johnson however a series of headlines about his tax affairs helped push his rival back into the lead.

However in recent weeks Livingstone has attempted to steer the headlines “back towards the issues” and focussed much of his efforts on highlighting his promised 7% fares cut.

Today’s poll suggests the result of next week’s election is now too close to call.

When voting for Mayor, Londoners are able to cast one vote for their first preference candidate and one vote for their second preference.

If no candidate secures more than 50% of the first preference votes, the two highest scoring candidates go through to a second round and all second preference votes allocated to the candidate they were cast for.

The candidate with the highest number of first and second preference votes is then elected Mayor.

On first preference votes Johnson has 43%, Livingstone 41%, Liberal Democrat Brian Paddick 8%, UKIP’s Lawrence Webb and independent Siobhan tie on 3% and Green party candidate Jenny Jones 2%.

After the reallocation of 2nd preference votes, front runners Livingstone and Johnson remain just 2% apart.

YouGov also polled Londoners on their voting intention in the London Assembly elections.

14 Assembly Members are elected to represent constituencies under the First Past the Post system used to elect MPs.

A further 11 are elected under a proportional representation (PR) list which ensures all parties with 5% of the vote win seats.

According to the poll, Labour are 12 points ahead in the constituency vote with 46% of the vote while the Conservatives have 34% and the Liberal Democrats 9%.

In the list section Labour remain ahead with 44%, the Conservatives have 33% and the Liberal Democrats 9%.

The poll puts the Greens on 6% suggesting they will keep at least one of the two seats they currently hold while UKIP, who won seats in 2004, look set for a return to the Assembly with 5% of the vote.

Candidates for Mayor include Jenny Jones (Green party), Ken Livingstone (Labour), Lawrence Webb (UKIP) Boris Johnson (Conservative) and Brian Paddick (Liberal Democrat). A full list of candidates can be found here.

Candidates standing as London Assembly constituency members can be found here. Candidates for the 11 Assembly London-wide seats can be found here.

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Tagged With: 2012 London Election

RECENT UPDATES

852 new homes to be built in Acton by Transport for London

HGV operators in London urged to apply for a Direct Vision Standard permit

TfL proposes bus and tube cuts and annual fares increases to achieve long-term financial sustainability

London’s entire bus fleet now meets ULEZ emissions standards




Popular

1,700 extra Santander Cycles are coming to London’s streets

TfL confirms changes to Older Person’s Freedom Pass and 60+ Oyster card hours

TfL fares to rise in return for £1.6bn Government rescue package

Election for Mayor of London and London Assembly postponed until 2021

FEATURED

City Hall to move to Docklands as Mayor seeks to raise £55m for frontline services

‘Concern’ over TfL’s ability to deliver major projects in wake of Crossrail cost overruns

City Hall halts London Overground ticket office closures but many will still see opening hours reduced

Transport for London confirms bus cuts will go ahead despite passenger opposition

GOT A STORY?

As the original London news and scrutiny site we've been casting an eye over the capital's public services and politicians since 1999.

 

Many of our top stories started with a tip-off from a reader - if you've got something you'd like us to cover get in touch and we'll do the rest.

Stay In Touch

  • E-mail
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2021 MayorWatch Publications Limited · MayorWatch is Registered Trademark · All Rights Reserved · Contact Us · Terms of Use · Privacy Policy

MayorWatch Publications Limited · 20-22 Wenlock Road · London N1 7GU · Company Number 6291816

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.