Boris wins

Boris has just won.

Here are the final scores, including second preferences:

Boris - 1,168,738 (53%)
Ken - 1,028,966 (47%)

Boris said the election had been "good for politics, and good for London". His victory speech was very generous, thanking Ken for being "a very considerable public servant and distinguished leader". He also hoped that the mayoralty would continue to benefit from Ken's experience, saying: "Where there are achievements, we will build on them."

Boris was really quite humble, acknowledging that London had not been transformed overnight into Conservative city. He urged Londoners to believe that the Conservatives can now be trusted, and said he would work "flat out" to earn their trust. He would begin by focusing on cutting crime, and delivering affordable housing.

His final flourish: “Let’s get cracking tomorrow, and let’s have a drink tonight.”

Ken was equally generous to the Labour Party, and blamed only himself for failing to get re-elected: "I accept that responsibility, and regret I couldn’t take you to victory." He also promised to do all he can to help the new administration. City Hall gave him a standing ovation.

Boris offered Brian Paddick a job, but Brian didn't seem to keen afterwards.

The first preference votes were:

BNP 69,710

UKIP 22,422

Green 77,374

Christian Choice 39,249

Left List 16,796

Boris 1,043,761

Ken 893,877

Independent 5,389

E Dem 10,695

Brian Paddick 236,685

Comments

[John Charlesworth]

I see YouGov are also claiming victory by forecasting the result "correctly"! Their polling methods appear to be paying off: using computer based questionnaires.

[John Charlesworth]

You have set Boris 4 main challeges over and above tackling crime. In view of the need to be ready for the Olympics in 4 years plus solving congestion (keep London moving) aren't you being a bit too optimistic?

Skills are scarce in some areas and finance will be difficult against an uncertain political backdrop. Priorites will be needed.

Do I take it that the list is in order of priority? What are you hoping to actually see in practice?

Challenge 1: London's workforce

Challenge 2: affordable housing

Challenge 3: keeping London moving

Challenge 4: an accountable administration

[Dermot]

You're right, John - Boris certainly has a lot on his plate.

We think that London's workforce should be the biggest priority for him - especially given that a staggering 30 per cent of Londoners are not in employment, and the slowdown could make that worse.

Boris acknowledged this point last month, in the FT - and the very long list of challenges that he faces:

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/f6d2d60e-0c16-11dd-9840-0000779fd2ac.html