Core issues
In an interview with The Guardian, incumbent Ken Livingstone said that he would be in favour of "proper regional government" and added that in Britain, "too much of what people need from the state is run from Whitehall”.
Environment is another issue that is on the agenda of both Livingstone and his rival, Tory candidate Boris Johnson.
Livingstone has recently confirmed his plans to charge £25 to drivers of vehicles emitting more than 225g of CO2 per kilometer. These charges will apply every time polluting vehicles enter the city between 7am and 6pm from Monday to Friday.
Security in the city is also being brought to the forefront. Lib Dem candidate Brian Paddick, a former police officer has made “cutting crime and the fear of crime” his campaign mantra.
Meanwhile, Johnson has produced New York-style crime maps showing the crime levels in every London neighbourhood in his security strategy.
Johnson also said that if he were elected on May 1, he would promote the trial of express buses that would link suburban town centres.
Other crime fighting measures Livingstone and Johnson have suggested the confiscation of Oyster Cards belonging to those who commit offence on London’s transport system.
Oyster cards are electronically chargeable cards, used to pay for trains and bus tickets.
Candidates' profiles
Ken Livingstone was elected Lord Mayor of London in 2000 and is now seeking
a third term.
Meanwhile, Johnson, who is making his first bid for the position, has been vice-chairman of the Conservative party and has also been the Shadow Minister for Arts and was Shadow minister for Higher Education till July 2007.
The Lib Dems have supported the candidacy of Brian Paddick, who retired from the force in May 2007. He was “the highest ranking openly gay police officer in the UK”, according to his website.
The mayoral elections are held every four years.
