New poll result cements Ken lead

Monday, 23 January 2012 10:23 AM

By Ian Dunt Follow @IanDunt

The race for City Hall looked too close to call today after a second poll suggested a slim lead for Ken Livingstone.

Just days after a surprise survey result put the Labour candidate ahead of Boris Johnson for the first time, a ComRes poll for LBC, ITV London and the Evening Standard confirmed a two-point lead.

Importantly, the poll would hand Ken the keys to City Hall even on second preference votes – reflecting the voting system employed in London.

Ken leads Boris 46% to 44% on first preference votes and 51% to 49% once second preference votes are redistributed.

Interestingly, most Londoners still expect Boris to win, although this could change as the new poll results continue to come in.

Otherwise, the traditional constituencies to which both men appeal are largely unchanged. Boris still holds more sway in the outer boroughs while Ken is more popular in the inner city.

The current mayor struggles to secure the support of those aged 18 to 44 while Ken is less popular with older people.

Last year, Boris was given an eight-point lead in the same poll.

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• boris johnson
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• ken libingstone
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• london mayoral election
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• poll