Elected mayoral hopefuls unveiled

A 'monkey' mascot became Hartlepool's mayor in 2002

A Communist, a member of the Christian People's Alliance and people from the main parties, are among 22 candidates running for mayor on 4 May.

The local elections will see battles in the London boroughs of Hackney, Lewisham and Newham, and in Watford.

The current four mayors are all seeking second terms in office.

A supplementary voting system is in place. If no candidate gets more than 50% backing, all but the top two are eliminated and votes are redistributed.

Hackney candidates include Monty Goldman, Communist Party of Britain, who has been contesting elections for more than 40 years.

HACKNEY:

Andrew Boff (C)

Current mayor Jules Pipe (Lab)

Matthew Penhaligon (LD)

Mima Bone (Green)

Monty Goldman (Communist Party of Britain)

Hettie Peters (Ind)

Dean Ryan (Respect)

LEWISHAM

James Cleverly (C)

Current mayor Steve Bullock (Lab)

Christopher Maines (LD)

Michael Keogh (Green)

John Hamilton (Ind)

Sinna Mani (Lewisham Peoples' Alliance)

NEWHAM

Reza Ahmed Shafi Choudhury (C)

Current mayor Sir Robin Wales (Lab)

Anwar Hussain (LD)

Alan Craig (Christian Peoples Alliance)

Abdurahman Akhtar Jafar (Respect)

WATFORD

Steve O'Brien (C)

Ruth Ellis (Lab)

Current mayor Dorothy Thornhill (LD)

Steve Rackett (Green)