Vote counting for the London mayoral and assembly elections is set to commence on Saturday, with a notably close race anticipated between the sitting Mayor Sadiq Khan from the Labour Party and the Conservative candidate Susan Hall. Pre-election polling suggests the contest will be tightly contested, particularly in a few key areas like Hillingdon, West Central, Tower Hamlets, Newham, and Havering and Redbridge. These areas are considered pivotal due to varying local issues and population demographics, including responses to Khan’s ULEZ expansion and the development plans such as the Silvertown Tunnel.

While Labour has recently gained ground by taking control in several councils and winning a parliamentary seat in Blackpool South, the Conservatives have experienced setbacks, losing over 400 council seats nationwide. These shifts come amid broader electoral challenges posed by the emerging Reform UK, which has been siphoning some support from traditional Conservative areas without yet winning council seats.

Moreover, the dynamics of voter turnout are critical in the election, with lower engagement reported in some Labour-strongholds compared to a surge in traditionally Conservative areas. This variation plays a crucial role in the election, as regions with heightened voter activity could potentially shift the balance between the candidates.

The results from these key boroughs and constituencies will soon uncover more about the political landscape and voter sentiment across London, possibly signaling broader national trends for the major parties involved.