Poll disputes idea that faith would hold Sadiq Khan back

Claims that Sadiq Khan would be held back in the race for mayor by his Muslim faith are disputed today by a new poll.

Clips of Mr Khan and Tory frontrunner Zac Goldsmith were shown to potential voters to test how ethnic identity could play a part in the battle.

Before seeing the videos, 44 per cent in the Survation poll said they would vote for the Labour candidate and 35 per cent for the Tory. Afterwards, 50 per cent picked Mr Khan and 37 per cent Mr Goldsmith.

Mr Khan’s share rose more among white and Asian Londoners, who together make up nearly five in 10 potential voters.

Among black Londoners, who make up 13 per cent of the population, Mr Khan’s support went down and Mr Goldsmith’s went up.

A YouGov survey found nearly a third of Londoners would feel unhappy about having a Muslim mayor.