Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has started a campaign to attract Liberal Democrat and Green voters as he runs for a third term in office.
He calls it a 'love letter' to gain support from 'fellow progressives' as Londoners prepare to vote on May 2.
He will begin today with a visit to Kingston – an area that has often supported the Liberal Democrats and has a council controlled by the party.
Due to changes in the voting system, the mayoral race is very close – and his main competition is the Tory Susan Hall.
In the past, Londoners could express a first and second preference, but this year's election will be conducted under the 'first past the post' system, so voters will only have one vote each.
Mr Khan said: 'This election represents a significant change in the voting system introduced by the Tory government to increase the chances of their candidate winning.
'To all those who gave me their second preference votes last time, I say thank you, and I ask that you trust me this year by giving me the single vote you can cast for mayor.
'This election is a closely contested race between me and the Conservative candidate. I'm aware that 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 support me to keep the Tories out and progressive politics in. Unlike last time, there is no insurance policy with a second choice.
'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 tackle crime, build more affordable family homes and cancel the ULEZ expansion on day one. Only Susan can deliver that.'
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