London mayoral election 2016: Official start to campaign kicks off as poll reveals Labour’s Sadiq Khan ahead of Conservatives’ Zac Goldsmith
The campaign proper for the London mayoral election kicks off today, as official nominations can be made and a host of candidates join the race.
While Labour's Sadiq Khan and the Conservatives' Zac Goldsmith have engaged in fierce and tense debates since they each won their party's nomination, it is only now that official nominations that can be made.
The Liberal Democrat's Caroline Pidgeon, the Green's Sian Berry and Ukip's Peter Whittle are also lining up against a number of independent candidates as well as those from smaller political parties.
Still, the election is set to be dominated by Goldsmith and Khan, who months ago took their gloves off as they launched scathing attacks on one another.
A poll released today showed that Khan is still on course to take City Hall. The survey by ITV and LBC found Khan garnering 53 per cent of support to Goldsmith's 47 per cent.
Voters said they believe Khan better understands the needs of London and would be better at standing up for Londoners, the two issues most important to Londoners.
However, voters believe Goldsmith would be more effective keeping London safe from terror attacks.
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The ITV/LBC poll follows a YouGov poll released last week that found Khan leading Goldsmith by seven points.
The election will take place on 5 May at the same time that the electorate will cast votes for members of the London Assembly.
To stand for mayor, prospective candidates have until 31 March to garner at least 10 nominations from each of London’s 33 boroughs. They must also put down a £10,000 deposit, which they will not get back if they fail to get at least five per cent of the first choices under the supplementary vote system.
Londoners can vote in the election only if they are over the age of 18, register to vote by 18 April and live in London.