London mayoral hopefuls clash

(01:51) Rough Cut

Apr. 15 - Reuters hosts a debate between the three top candidates competing to become London mayor.

In a free-wheeling debate at Reuters' Canary Wharf headquarters, the current mayor Ken Livingstone of the Labour Party talked about how he would like eventually see more higher spending Chinese tourists and fewer Europeans come to the UK capital.

Liberal Democrat challenger Brian Paddick spoke of why he is more qualified than his rivals, while Conservative Boris Johnson criticised Livingstone for not fighting harder against the national government's proposed 30,000 pound tax on so-called "non-domiciled" foreigners working in the UK.

Recent opinion polls show Livingstone slightly trailing Johnson, a member of parliament and former magazine editor. Paddick, a former senior police officer, is well behind. The election will be held on May 1st.

Speakers:

Ken Livingston, London mayor, Labour Party

Brian Paddick, mayoral candidate, Liberal Democrat

Boris Johnson, mayoral candidate, Conservative Party