A recent surge in support has given Lammy a one per cent lead ahead of the Tooting MP who was tipped early on as the man to beat bookies favourite Tessa Jowell.
Nicola Wildash, YouGov research executive in political and social research, said: “Among Londoners, David Lammy has overtaken his rival Sadiq Khan to become Labour’s second choice as mayor. Khan, who has his eyes set on the top spot, will no doubt be disappointed by our latest poll.
“However, both Lammy and Khan are neck and neck in this race; anything could happen in the next few months.”
The 43-year-old MP was the first to announce his mayoral ambition ahead of next year’s election for city hall while Khan announced his bid following Labour’s crushing defeat at the General Election.
The new poll, published yesterday (July 13) was carried out between June 30 and July 2, and reveals Lammy’s backing from Labour supporters has risen from 15 per cent to 22 per cent, leapfrogging Khan, whose support rose marginally, from 19 per cent to 21 per cent.
The same poll has shown support for veteran Hackney North and Stoke Newington MP Diane Abbott take a nose dive from a high of 23 per cent amongst Labour voters at the end of April to just 13 per cent now.
Lammy has openly singled out Jowell and Khan as his major competition, highlighting their “professional and well financed teams”.
Khan also has the backing of former London mayor Ken Livingstone who described Khan, a former lawyer, as the “next generation”.
Lammy’s advancement could be attributed for his ambitious campaign policies on housing which includes a pledge to build 30,000 social homes in London if elected.
He has also been credited for offering the most comprehensive outline and strategies regarding housing in a 40-page document.
Both Labour members and ‘supporters’ of the party will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite candidate if they register and pay a £3 fee.
The party will officially select its Labour candidate on September 12.
Author: Chief Editor
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