London has said 'Yes' to a new elected mayor and a Greater London Authority.

At around 3.30am the 26th result was returned in favour of the government's proposals - marking the finishing post in the London Referendum. All 33 boroughs have said 'Yes'.

Approximately 72% of those who voted, around one million Londoners, put their cross in the 'Yes' box on the ballot paper. Only 28% voted against the assembly and the mayor.

Turnout was even lower at the referendum party

However, the turnout was disappointingly low - averaging only 34% of eligible voters.

The Prime Minister, Tony Blair, said: "The referendum result was good in London.

"Obviously we would have liked a higher turn-out, but I think the truth of the matter is that most people supported having a mayor for London.

"I think there will be a lot of enthusiasm about London having a strong, independent, political voice that can speak up for Londoners."

Celebrations have been far from ecstatic - in fact one BBC reporter said that he could only see six people at the 'party' hall in Church House - and two of them were policemen.

Contenders

Two main contenders for the position gave their immediate reactions to the result.

Lord Archer, novelist and former deputy chairman of the Conservative Party said: "If it's going to be like that then I think that's very good." He also said it would be an "excellent" result.

Ken Livingstone says "Secretly Tony Blair must be backing me!" (2'16")

Ken Livingstone, Labour MP for Brent and former leader of the Greater London Council (GLC), told BBC Radio 5Live that although he isn't being officially supported as a candidate by the Labour party, he thinks Tony Blair must be secretly backing him.

Referring to the fact that he has not been backed by the government in his bid to be mayor, he also said: "I think Tony Blair will shortly make it clear that London party members will be allowed to decide who they want."

Possible candidate Trevor Phillips

Another possible candidate for mayor, broadcaster Trevor Phillips, said he hoped a new assembly would not bring back old politics and old politicians.