Judgement day for Sadiq: London's mayoral election is on a knife edge Labour ... trends now
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
