Who's who in the race to be the next mayor of London?
- Published
One of the highest profile jobs in British politics is up for grabs.
The vote is due on Thursday (3 May) in the race to become next London Mayor.
Francesca Macvalies, 26, and 20-year-old Kat Rostami are on their lunch-break at a shopping centre in the east of the capital.
What can they tell us about the men and women who want to run their city?
"It's the same with most politicians," says Francesca. "They promise things and it doesn't quite happen."
Kat Rostami, 20, doesn't believe politicians' promises
The Conservative Boris Johnson wants to be re-elected into the role.
His biggest challenger is from the former Labour Mayor Ken Livingstone.
'Change'?
Kat says: "We've had Boris for a while haven't we?
"Maybe it's time for a change? But then we get scared. They promise things will get better but then they don't."
The most colourful and well-recognised politicians are often known to many by just their first names.
That's definitely true of both Boris and Ken.
At this election, Boris is promising a council tax freeze and to free up three-and-a-half billion pounds to spend on public services.
Ken's offering cheaper public transport, and moves to boost pay for low earners.
Like many though, both Kat and Francesca are cynical about pledges made by politicians.
"I can't see how the promises that they make are helping me," says Francesca.
"They are all the same people to me," adds Kat. "I think they all just pretend they're different from each other."
High profile
A short walk away, Newsbeat finds 22-year-old Gideon Hooko on a real-life Eastend Albert Square.
He laughs when we point out his quiet residential street isn't much like its TV counterpart.
"Actually there was a police raid the other day on that house there," he points.
"So there's a bit of drama."
Gideon, 22, wants to vote for someone who helps the community
There are five London mayor candidates besides Boris and Ken.
Most well known is Liberal Democrat Brian Paddick. He's a former senior police officer, so crime is high on his priorities list.
The Green Party candidate Jenny Jones wants a focus on cutting air pollution.
You can link from this page to the websites of all seven of the candidates.
Gideon says he will probably vote.
"I'd want to pick someone who knows what they're talking about," he says.
"I'd also want someone to help the community, not just help themselves."
Because the London Mayor job is so high profile nationally - it'll be a national boost to whichever party wins.
FULL LIST OF CANDIDATES TO BE LONDON MAYOR
Siobhan Benita, Independent
Carlos Cortiglia, BNP
Boris Johnson, Conservative
Jenny Jones, Green Party
Ken Livingstone, Labour
Brain Paddick, Liberal Democrats
Lawrence Webb, UK Independence Party