Andy Hayes

Freelance journalist

I used to think it was advisable, before entering marketing, to leave reality behind. Now I've realised it's essential.

The Cambridge Union Society

Promoting free speech and the art of debating since 1815

Boris Johnson's election victory last week stands in stark contrast to the devastating losses for the Conservatives across the country, but it is unsurprising that London bucked the national trend.

Lynne Parker

Founder and executive producer of Funny Women

In a world seemingly gone mad, a comedian now rules one of the greatest capital cities in the world for a second term. I am not amused.

Dele Meiji Fatunla

Editor, Diaspora Debate

When the history books on the 2012 London Mayoral elections are written, the Evening Standard's claim to be London's paper may not stand up to much scrutiny; unless backing the winning horse by tripping up it's opponents rates as great service.

Nick Abbot

LBC 97.3 talk show host, DJ and writer.

o, London went to the polls. Or rather it didn't, because: it was a bit parky out; it might have rained; we'd run out of milk; had to get to the shops; who could be arsed; it was the same old people; oh, was it on Thursday?

Brian John Spencer

Brian is a writer, artist and former unemployed law graduate who writes about the university myth, the economy and Northern Ireland. Also found at www.brianjohnspencer.com

The Conservative mayoral incumbent Boris Johnson has bucked a national trend that yesterday saw the electorate shift to the left and in doing so trumped the labour challenger, Ken Livingstone by 62,000 votes.

Harriet Williams

Journalist, foodie, luddite

'It says here that you've got a postal vote' I say to the man offering me his polling card. 'Oh yes, I've used it' he smiles back at me. I explain gently that you can't vote twice, and he says 'oh right then, that's absolutely fine', keen to show me he's not offended.

George Chesterton

Journalist and writer on culture and politics

Behind the fever of the current political crisis there is something depressing about the way revelations concerning self-serving MPs and corporate collusion have been reported as 'news'. The past few weeks have shown that power, corruption and lies (aka the blindingly obvious) need to be illuminated in neon lights before the majority of the public take notice.

Raheem Kassam

Executive Editor of TheCommentator.com, Director of the Green Centre for Economic Analysis and Sustainable Environment

I can't say I'll give anything away for this one. But I thought it might be nice to ring in the results of the London Mayoral election (due anytime in the next twelve hours) with a caption competition. Those leaving the funniest comments below will win... kudos from me! So have at it...

Peter Kellner

President of YouGov, political commentator and journalist

Our final London elections poll shows Boris Johnson defeating Ken Livingstone in the run-off vote for Mayor.

Jenny Jones AM

Green Party London Assembly Member

A Green Mayor, along with Greens elected on the London wide list vote (orange ballot paper) could make a huge difference to London and the UK. We will cut fares, invest in public transport and reduce traffic. We will improve green spaces and reduce pollution. We will make housing affordable and hold down rents. We will reduce the gap between rich and poor.

Siobhan Benita

Former London Mayoral Candidate

Having spent the last 16 weeks on the campaign trail where I have watched the dominant BorKen show up close, I'm more sure than ever that we need new voices in UK politics and much more diversity of public leaders. We need politicians who are in touch, more willing to listen, less egotistical and not stifled by inflexible party lines. We need more women, more ethnic minorities and more people with different life and professional experiences. I hope that many of you choose to give your first vote to me.

Nicky Gavron

Labour London Assembly Member; Chair assembly's Planning Committee and Labour Spokesperson for Planning and Housing

After months of campaigning, it's time for Londoners to make up their minds about which Mayor will run our city in the next four crucial years.

Ed McRandal

Political consultant and former aide to a Conservative Cabinet Minister

Londoners should ask themselves whether they want a mayor who seeks to unite or divide? Whether we need a mayor who sticks up for London or for his cronies? And if we can trust a man who says one thing and then does the opposite.

Natasha Kuilak Mellersh

Author of tashalaw, a weekly legal blog

I love cycling, yes even in London... I grew up in Germany and I rode my first two-wheeler bike without stabilisers before my third birthday. The main reason I started cycling in London was because I kept running out of money for the bus.

Francis Hoar

Barrister, writes on law reform and blogs on politics

For those of you that don't read Polly Toynbee on a regular basis, Dr Eoin Clarke's blog, the Green Benches, is a poor man's version