Londoners’ Concerns and Mayoral Election
Crime is of “secondary” concern to Londoners behind housing and the cost of living, according to Antonia Jennings, chief executive of the Centre for London think tank.
Sadiq Khan’s Record on Crime
Jennings highlighted that polling data from Savanta for the think tank revealed that more than half of Londoners believe that mayor Sadiq Khan has performed poorly on gangs and knife crime during his time in office.
Conservative Campaign Against Sadiq Khan
The Conservatives have faced criticism for attacking Sadiq Khan’s record on crime in a recent campaign video. The party hopes to unseat Khan in the upcoming mayoral election on 2 May.
Public Perception on Crime Handling
According to polling data, a significant percentage of Londoners, especially older respondents and Conservative voters, feel that Khan has not effectively dealt with knife crime and gangs.
Primary Voter Concerns
While crime is a notable issue, the cost of living and housing are identified as top priorities for Londoners when considering their vote in the upcoming election.
Conservative Criticism and Campaign Strategy
The Conservative campaign video criticized Khan’s handling of crime in London, portraying the city as being controlled by the Labour party. However, questions have been raised about the video’s effectiveness and its potential impact on voters.
Mayoral Election Dynamics
The upcoming mayoral election on 2 May will see Sadiq Khan seeking a third term, facing competition from Conservative candidate Susan Hall. The election coincides with local authority elections across the country.
Londoners’ Voting Intentions
Data suggests that Londoners are more likely to participate in the mayoral election compared to other cities where similar contests are taking place. The level of awareness about the mayoral candidates is also higher in London.
Candidate Statements
Susan Hall, the Conservative mayoral candidate, has criticized Khan’s approach to crime in London, emphasizing the need for a mayor who listens and takes decisive action.
