The BBC has apologized for a scheduling mistake that led to the broadcast of Conservative candidate Susan Hall’s political advertisement instead of the intended slot for London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s Labour campaign video. This oversight occurred on the eve prior to the rescheduled airing, with viewers on BBC One in London expecting to see Khan’s three-minute broadcast before the 7pm segment, only to be presented with Hall’s video instead.

Both the Labour and Conservative campaigns were issued written apologies from the BBC, with Khan’s advertisement now moved to the subsequent evening. The incorrect airing took place amidst the run-up to the London mayoral election slated for May 2, in which Khan is competing for a third term against Hall. A Survation poll recently indicated Khan leading the race with 44% versus Hall’s 26%.

This incident has stirred frustrations within the Labour campaign, particularly as their broadcast was temporarily unavailable on the BBC iPlayer, while the error directly contrasts with the intense and highly competitive atmosphere of the mayoral campaign. The mistake also follows various challenges faced by the campaigns, including the Conservative side facing scrutiny for its portrayal of London and an error where footage from New York was misrepresented as London in their promotional material. Despite these setbacks, both candidates are continuing their efforts to sway London’s electorate ahead of the forthcoming election.