London mayoral election: who’s the least worst?

As 1 May, the date for the mayoral election approaches, many Londoners feel 'only presentiment and ire' as they choose between the two main candidates.

As 1 May, the date for the mayoral election approaches, many Londoners feel "only presentiment and ire", says Yasmin Alibhai-Brown in The Independent. Leaving aside Brian Paddick, the former Liberal Democrat and gay ex-policeman, our "diverse and lively" city has to choose between a "jaded, ageing Labourite who doesn't want to let go" and a "Tory with elitist, colonial and libertarian values". The only question is, "who will make the more disastrous Mayor of London"?

It's not Boris Johnson's fault that he "looks like he does, has silly middle names and a silly voice", says Alastair Campbell in The Mirror. But his choices as an MP are more significant. How can he claim to be tough against crime while voting against automatic five-year jail sentences for illegal gun possession? His transport policies have the feel of "something rushed together on the back of a fag packet" and he has a "dodgy record" on the environment and housing.

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