Voting 100 days to go: changes mean Tories could win, says Khan

SADIQ KHAN today warned his supporters that there was “every chance the Tories could win in London” as the countdown to the mayoral election hit 100 days.

- Ross Lydall

 

The Labour Mayor and his Conservative rival Susan Hall traded barbs as Mr Khan claimed that changes to the voting system could make it easier for her to secure victory, despite polls suggesting that he is well on course for a record third term. Ms Hall criticised the Mayor’s record on crime saying: “Londoners deserve so much better.”

It came as Londoners were urged to make sure they were ready to vote, amid concerns that a new requirement for voters to show photo IDs at polling stations on May 2 could effectively disenfranchise many thousands.

The Greater London Authority returning officer warned voters to be ready for a “very different London election” due to changes in the rules, including a switch to traditional “first past the post”.

Mr Khan, who will no longer be able to rely on having his total vote boosted by second preference votes from Green and Lib Dem supporters, said it was “clear that this will be a close two-horse race”.