Johnson gains 12-point lead

Boris Johnson has seized a 12-point lead over Ken Livingstone in the race for London mayor.

The Conservative candidate is poised to oust the sitting mayor after extending his lead over the past month, according to the latest YouGov poll for the Evening Standard.

Mr Johnson is polling 49 per cent of first preferences compared to 37 per cent backing Mr Livingstone.

This extends the Tory candidate's lead from four points in January and five points last month.

Liberal Democrat candidate Brian Paddick is set to receive 12 per cent of first preferences.

But the Lib Dem is leading the race for second preferences, polling 42 per cent.

Some 20 per cent of Londoners will name Mr Johnson as their second choice while Mr Livingstone trails on 17 per cent.

Analysts attribute Mr Johnson's rise in part to the slew of negative headlines that have surrounded the mayor in the past month, including the resignation of senior aide Lee Jasper.

Mr Johnson, currently MP for Henley, has also surprised many by running a 'gaffe-free' campaign, which he is set to formally launch tomorrow.

A breakdown of the results shows the Conservative MP is leading among women, with 54 per cent backing Mr Johnson, compared to 34 per cent for Mr Livingstone.

His lead over men is less compelling, with 46 per cent planning to vote for Mr Johnson and 39 per cent for the sitting mayor.

Mr Johnson is also popular among younger Londoners, with Mr Livingstone only claiming a lead among the 45- to 54-year-old age group.