THE contest between Labour's Ken Livingstone and Conservative choice Boris Johnson has captured the public's imagination, with almost half of Londoners expected to vote in May 1's mayoral election.

Graham Dines

THE contest between Labour's Ken Livingstone and Conservative choice Boris Johnson has captured the public's imagination, with almost half of Londoners expected to vote in May 1's mayoral election.

Only 37% turned out in 2004, but research for Internet giant MSN indicates that tens of thousands more will vote this time.

Two out of three Conservative supporters say they will vote for their party's candidate Johnson, 50% of Labour voters said they will back Livingstone, and 40% of Liberal Democrats plan to vote for Brian Paddick.