Sadiq Khan will attempt to woo over voters so he can be mayor once again (Picture: Reuters)
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has launched a campaign to woo over Liberal Democrat and Green voters as he seeks a third term in office.
He describes it as a ‘love letter’ to try and win over support from ‘fellow progressives’ as Londoners head to the polls on May 2.
He will kick it all off today with a visit to Kingston – a borough that has often backed the Liberal Democrats and has a council dominated by the party.
Changes to the voting system mean the mayoral race is on a knife edge – and his next biggest competition is the Tory Susan Hall.
In previous contests, Londoners have been able to express a first and second preference, but this year’s election will be held under the ‘first past the post’ system, meaning voters will only get one vote each.
Mr Khan said: ‘This election represents a real shift with major changes to the voting system brought in by the Tory government to make it more likely their candidate will win.
‘To all of those who gave me their second preference votes last time, I say thank you, and ask that you put your trust in me this year by lending me the sole vote you can cast for mayor.
Mr Khan says it could be a close race and needs your support (Picture: Getty Images)
Mr Khan says there is a danger that the Tory Susan Hall could become the next mayor of the capital city (Picture: AP)
‘This election is a close two-horse race between me and the Conservative candidate. I’m under no illusion, I could lose in May.’
In an open letter to Liberal Democrat and Green supporters, Mr Khan added: ‘At the last London Mayoral election, in 2021, I was less than 5% ahead after the first round of voting.
‘These are the finer margins we’ll now be dealing with. That’s why, today, I am making a direct appeal to Liberal Democrat and Green voters across our city to lend me their support to keep the Tories out and progressive politics in. Unlike last time around, there is no insurance policy with a second choice.
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‘I am asking for their help so that we don’t wake up in six weeks’ time to find our city’s cherished values at serious risk with a hardline Conservative in City Hall.’
A spokesperson for Mr Khan’s rival, Susan Hall, said: ‘Sadiq Khan’s record is so poor, the only tool he has left is playing politics.
‘If he had listened to Londoners, he would know that they are calling for a Mayor who will get a grip of crime, build more affordable family homes and scrap the ULEZ expansion on day one. Only Susan can deliver that.’
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