Ken Livingstone moves into clear lead in London Mayoral race
Taking into account second preferences then, on the tightest possible criteria now introduced by IPSOS MORI - those who both say they are certain to vote and are formally registered to vote - Ken Livingstone's lead is 4 points with 52 points to Boris Johnson's 48 points.
On the basis of the closest comparison to previously published polls, that is taking those certain to vote, Ken Livingstone has moved into a 6 point lead - with 53 points for Ken Livingstone and 47 points for Boris Johnson.
On the basis of all voters, not just those who say they are certain to vote, Ken Livingstone's overall lead is 8 points - 56 points to Ken Livingstone compared to 44 points for Boris Johnson.
Taking first preference votes alone Ken Livingstone has moved ahead of Boris Johnson among those certain to vote by 41 points to 38 points - with 12 points for Brian Paddick of the Liberal Democrats and 3 points for Sian Berry the Green Party candidate.
Among all voters, not just those who say they are certain to vote, Ken Livingstone leads Boris Johnson by 42 points to 33 points in first preference votes with 14 points for Brian Paddick and 4 points for Sian Berry.
When asked to state which issues were most important in the election crime received 61 per cent, transport 57 per cent, healthcare and the NHS 43 per cent, the cost of living 35 per cent, education and schools 34 per cent, pollution and the environment 28 per cent.
When asked ‘Who do you regard as most trustworthy, Boris Johnson or Ken Livingstone?' Ken Livingstone was regard as more trustworthy by 41 points and Boris Johnson by 30 points.
A spokesperson for the Ken Livingstone campaign said:
‘This poll shows that after week of debate Londoners are considering the stakes for them in this Mayoral election and, while the contest remains close, Ken Livingstone is moving into a clear lead. The difference between all voters and those certain to vote, shows that the more people use their vote the more likely it is that Ken Livingstone will win.'
Linda Perks, London Regional Secretary of the public services union UNISON, said: ‘UNISON has been concerned about the use by the Evening Standard of seriously flawed polls in the London Mayoral election. Given the importance of public services for Londoners, and the role of the Mayor in delivering these, UNISON therefore decided to commission this reliable conventional poll.'
Notes to editors
The telephone poll was carried out by Ipsos-MORI, for UNISON the public services union, with a sample of 1,010 adults in London, on 23 and 24 April.
Voting intention figures exclude those who are undecided, would not vote or refuse to answer.
Data are weighted to match the profile of the London population.