Big two cast their votes...but don't expect result any time soon

TWO million Londoners were heading to the polls today to elect the next mayor, with Sadiq Khan aiming to secure victory and a third term.

- Ross Lydall

The Labour incumbent, accompanied by wife Saadiya, cast his vote in Tooting, while his Tory rival Susan Hall voted in Hatch End in Harrow, accompanied by her daughter Louise. Mr Khan, who gave photographers a thumb's up, also brought his dog to the polling station.

Polling stations will remain open until 10pm. Voters who are in the queue at 10pm will still be allowed to cast their ballot, according to London Elects, the organisation that runs the Greater London Authority elections.

Counting of the votes will not start until 9am on Saturday, with a result not expected until around 10pm - though it could be as late as 1.30am on Sunday.

If the process is delayed by a higher than expected turnout, or if recounts are required, election staff will be sent home on Saturday night and will return on Sunday morning to finish the job.

Unlike previous City Hall elections, which used counting machines, the ballot papers will be counted by hand.