Unpopularity of PM will help me, says Norris

Steve Norris claims today that the Prime Minister's unpopularity will win him thousands of votes in next week's mayoral elections.

Writing in today's Spectator, Mr Norris said: "Every day, meeting thousands of Londoners, I know Tony Blair is my best recruiting sergeant."

The Conservative candidate warns a shock result is on the cards with him defeating Mayor Ken Livingstone on 10 June.

Mr Norris also says his chances have been dramatically enhanced by Mr Livingstone's "cynical" decision to rejoin Labour earlier this year.

This has risked Mr Livingstone losing support from people who opposed the Prime Minister's decision to go to war in Iraq, even though the Mayor opposed military action.

Mr Norris said: "Seen at the time as a minor impediment, his association with Labour is now costing Ken Livingstone dear. He is, whether he likes it or not, Labour's Mayor.

"Time and again at hustings I have heard former supporters say that you can't vote Livingstone without voting Labour and nice guy as he may be, they just won't do it."