Boris wins

Yay. Boris Johnson has been re-elected Mayor of London, beating the loathsome Ken Livingstone. This is despite a big backlash against the Conservatives and Lib Dems. Labour picked up almost 800 Council seats in a good night for them. The UK Independence Party also polled well.

The first round saw Boris get 44.9% and Livingstone 41.1%. After preferences were re-allocated it was 51.5% to 48.5%.

Ken Livingstone in his concession speech said that this result settles the next leadership contest for the Conservative Party, and I think he is right. When Cameron’s time is up, Boris will have huge support to take the top job.