ALL IT TAKES IS +1:

New poll shows Boris Johnson in lead (Rosa Prince, 03/04/2008, Daily Telegraph)

Mr Johnson is the first preference choice of 42 per cent of Londoners compared to 41 per cent for the current Labour mayor.

The Liberal Democrat Brian Paddick is in third place, with 10 per cent, meaning his second preferences will be crucial to the outcome on May 1.

According to the ICM poll for the Guardian, 43 per cent of Liberal Democrat backers say they will use their second preference to vote for Mr Johnson, while only 30 per cent will opt for Mr Livingstone.

The poll also show a divide between ethnic minority and white Londoners, with 64 per cent of non-whites saying the current mayor has done a good job, compared to 46 per cent of white voters.