Brown 'written off' Ken re-election
Ken mayoral win looks increasingly unlikely
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Gordon Brown has launched Labour's local election campaign ahead of May's poll. |  |
Today's prime minister's questions saw Gordon Brown clash with David Cameron over his economic competence. |  |
Thursday, 27, Mar 2008 12:00
The prime minister has reportedly written of Ken Livingstone's chances of winning a third term as London mayor.
Allies of Gordon Brown told the Times the best-case scenario for Mr Livingstone in May's mayoral election is a win by the narrowest of margins.
The lack of faith comes as David Cameron increasingly throws himself behind Boris Johnson's campaign to be the first Conservative mayor of London.
The Tory leader will attend Mr Johnson's official campaign launch next week, in contrast to Mr Brown who was absent from Mr Livingstone's, although the pair did campaign together last week.
Labour insiders have said a win for Mr Johnson would not necessarily be a setback for the party in the long run.
They are banking on the assumption the Henley MP's infamous bungling will reappear after his professional campaign. He will then have up to two years to discredit the Conservative party via City Hall before the next general election.
But Mr Cameron has reportedly said he "will not allow" Mr Johnson to undermine the party.
Sources close to the Tory leadership told the Guardian a team of experienced allies will be drafted in to "guide" Mr Johnson if he is elected London mayor on May 1st.
Labour are also reportedly now aware of the risk that holding City Hall could allow the Conservatives to build alliances with the City.
The latest poll gives Mr Johnson a 12-point lead over the incumbent mayor, although polling London elections is notoriously unreliable.