Dave
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Sadiq Khan reelected as London mayor after rival runs him close
Victory was less emphatic than predicted after late increase in support for Tory opponent Shaun Bailey
www.theguardian.com
Sadiq Khan has been re-elected as mayor of London for a second term, following a victory that was less emphatic than predicted after a late increase in support for his Conservative opponent.
As recently as March, polls had given Khan a 25-point lead over his Tory rival, Shaun Bailey, handing him 53% of the vote. That would have seen him win outright on the first round of counting, without the need to count the second preferences of voters. However, with polls tightening in recent weeks, insiders suggested the issue of crime had dented Khan’s lead.
After the first day of counting votes on Friday, Khan had a lead of just 24,267 over Bailey. However, as counting progressed on Saturday, it became clear Khan was leading in most of the outstanding areas.
After the first preference votes, Khan had 1,013,721 (40%) while Bailey had 893,051 (35.3%). Siân Berry of the Green party came third with 197, 976 (7.8%) while the Liberal Democrats’ Luisa Porritt was fourth with 111,716 (4.4%).
In the run-off, Khan received 192,313 (1,206,034), while Bailey received 84,550 (977,601).
More to follow…