Report predicts Lib Dem win in South West London Assembly race

5.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 17th Apr 2008

Liberal Democrat Stephen Knight is set to win the South West London Assembly constituency on 1st May, according to an influential study published this week. The seat, covering Hounslow, Richmond and Kingston boroughs has been held by the Conservatives for the past eight years.

The report, from independent election experts London Communications Agency, includes predictions for the mayoral and Assembly race. It brings together for the first time an analysis of the six most recent elections in London.

Its prediction for the South West London Assembly Constituency reads:

"Liberal Democrat win from Conservatives as Stephen Knight wins first constituency seat for the Liberal Democrats from the last Assembly Member who served on the GLC, Tony Arbour."

Lib Dem Assembly candidate, Stephen Knight said:

"It is clear that the London Assembly election in this part of London is going to be very close between the Conservative and me. Only a few percent separated the Conservative and Liberal Democrat last time and we are working hard to close that gap by 1st May.

In particular, many Labour supporters are switching to back my campaign this time, as they recognise that I have the best chance of beating the Conservative."