Fears that Jeremy Corbyn could tip the London Mayoral vote in favour of the Conservatives have been aired after new polling suggested Sadiq Khan could be on shaky ground.
The former Labour leader hasn’t yet announced whether he’ll run for the position in next year’s election, but speculation over his future has been rife ever since he was suspended from the party by his predecessor Sir Keir Starmer.
Polling for Times Radio by Redfield and Wilton Strategies shows Corbyn could hand the London mayoralty to Susan Hall and the Conservatives, with Sadiq Khan taking 25 per cent of the vote to Hall’s 30 per cent, and the former Labour leader coming third on 15 per cent if he stands as an independent.
Bookies have also shortened the odds on the Tories taking the election, with Hall now 7/2 to win from 9/2.
William Kedjanyi, Political Betting Analyst at Star Sports, said: “With Jeremy Corbyn refusing to rule out a mayoral run next summer, the former Labour leader may end up eating into his ex-colleague Sadiq Khan’s majority.
“Whilst the possibility of a Corbyn challenge will cause Khan concern, the fact Conservative candidate Susan Hall is essentially level without Corbyn running will set alarm bells ringing at City Hall.
“As such, we’ve nudged down our price for Hall to win the most votes in next year’s election, with the former Tory Group Assembly Leader now 7/2 from 9/2 to become the new Mayor of London.
“Khan remains our clear favourite but has seen his odds of 1/5 relax slightly to 2/7 over the past 24 hours, with Corbyn 14/1 to run as an Independent and triumph.”
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