Labour insiders have claimed that the mayoral election for London is on a knife edge, as bookies have slashed their odds on a shock defeat for Sadiq Khan.
One party source told the Telegraph that Khan’s race for the role against the Tories’ Susan Hall was ‘definitely going to be close’, adding that there may be just a few points between the two.
Another told the newspaper that the slim difference between the two candidates shows Labour that it needs to rethink its strategies and policies in London, amid massive controversies over ULEZ, among other contentious issues.
They said: ‘If the party wants to clearly demonstrate it has changed then it needs to take stronger action. There needs to be a quiet review of strategy and an end to policy announcements from on high regardless of voting geography and demographics.’
Labour jitters were already spreading over Sadiq Khan’s prospects in London amid claims of low turnout and a Gaza backlash.
Labour jitters were spreading over Sadiq Khan ‘s prospects in London today amid claims of low turnout and a Gaza backlash
Polls ahead of the election yesterday suggested that the incumbent was on track for a comfortable victory over Tory rival Susan Hall
The final surveys gave Mr Khan a lead of between 10 and 22 points
Polls ahead of the election yesterday suggested that the incumbent was on track for a comfortable victory over his Tory rival.
The final surveys gave him a lead of between 10 and 22 points. But rumours have been circulating today that it could be significantly closer, with senior figures pointing to the impact of Gaza on other results across England.
Verification of the votes is happening now, with turnout numbers due later and the count tomorrow.
Mr Khan faced intense scrutiny over his record on law and order during the campaign, after a 14-year-old schoolboy become the latest victim of knife crime in the capital.
Daniel Anjorin was killed just moments after leaving his house when he was attacked in a sword rampage in Hainault that saw four other people, including two police officers, seriously wounded.
Home Secretary James Cleverly was among those slamming the Mayor’s perceived failures, with calls for every front-line officer to be equipped with a Taser.
Ms Hall appealed for Londoners to take their ‘last chance to vote for a Mayor who will get a grip on crime and make people safe, stop the ULEZ expansion, halt Khan’s plans for pay-per-mile and build more family homes that people can afford’.
Polling Station signs are seen outside the ‘Pirate Castle’ outdoor activities centre as members of the public cast their votes during the London Mayoral election
People come and go from a polling station as they place their votes
Mr Khan was one of the first Labour politicians to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, but Sir Keir’s strong support for Israel’s right to self-defence caused anger among many supporters.
There has been evidence of that in the results today, with Labour losing overall control of Oldham council after independents claimed seats.
One senior ally of Ms Khan told MailOnline that it is ‘going to be close’. ‘The polls were rubbish,’ they added. ‘London is exceptionally difficult to poll.’
Another political veteran, who still believes Mr Khan will win, pointed out that Labour has not been performing well in local council by-elections.
Asked on Sky News this afternoon about the jitters, shadow health secretary Wes Streeting – MP for Ilford North – said: ‘We’ve always feared this race will be close.’
He highlighted that Mr Khan only won the first round of voting by 5 per cent in 2021. Since then the government has changed the voting system to first past the post, meaning Mr Khan will not benefit from second preferences of Greens and Lib Dems.
‘We were warning Londoners you know, don’t take the risk of waking up with a Conservative mayor,’ Mr Streeting said.
He went on: ‘It is too early to say yet what we think the result will be, verification of votes are taking place today the counting will be tomorrow.
‘I mean, based on what I saw in my own constituency and bearing in mind the last election a few years ago – Sadiq lost every ward in Iford North bar one – I felt that there was a bit more support for him this time in my constituency.
Asked on Sky News this afternoon about the jitters, shadow health secretary Wes Streeting – MP for Ilford North – said: ‘We’ve always feared this race will be close.’
Keir Starmer and his allies are awaiting news of the London mayoral election tomorrow
‘There are people who are angry with him about Ulez we sort of had that argument of following the Uxbridge by election.
‘And, you know, I didn’t agree with him, but he stuck to his guns, stuck to his convictions. Fair enough.’
Mr Streeting hit out at racial abuse suffered by Mr Khan, but acknowledged that Gaza could be a factor in the election.
‘There’s no doubt looking at some of the results across the country that have already come in that Gaza has been an issue,’ he said.
‘And I say say that with great respect to voters who sent us a message on Gaza. So we’ll have to wait and see where the results come in.’
