London Mayor turns Blue

What a day, what a night. Up with the larks to get to ExCel Centre in Docklands for the start of the e-count.

My first experience of travelling on the DLR (Dockland Light Railway). Had hoped it would have been a through journey from Bank but had to change twice so ended up taking much longer than expected.

With my Electoral Commission accredited ID already to hand it was a breeze going through the security. Arrived just in time to watch the reset of all the machines back to zero. BBC reports from the venue explaining the nitty gritty

What an experience observing the e-process at every stage. A hive of activity all with serious faces - picture above shows a section of the venue. Everybody was on tenterhooks. Interesting was the feedback from some of the candidates and agents. By late afternoon when my stint finished and with feedback from the other two count centres it was obvious the declaration would be much later than expected. It was also expected that Boris Johnson would win the Mayoral contest. My eyes were cross-eyed with all the note taking. Decided to go home for a couple of hours for a breather awaiting the call to go to City Hall. Wearing the distinctively marked Electoral Observer tee-shirt, people en route kept asking what was the result. As an observer it's not within the remit to say anything. For once I was good and kept stum.

Got the call, nothing could deter me. Rushing out again, even a snide remark from a neighbour as I left home completely went over my head.

Arriving at City Hall just before 10pm - high security with police presence everywhere. Bit surprised at the crowd outside awaiting the results. Momentary panic but a police escort to the entrance was comforting.

Inside was given a special wristband which allowed access to everything - felt so privileged to be taking part in London's spectacular electoral history.

Thankfully one of the observers was already there so I didn't have to take more notes. After over 15 hours of electronic ballot counting, tired bods didn't want to miss the final declaration after a very long day. Others from the ExCel team arrived just in time.

When the call came to witness the Mayoral declaration the atmosphere was electric. Everybody calmly walking up into the big hall to take their seats. As expected masses of media cameras flashing pictures. They seem to be talking pictures of Boris's family who were all sitting calmly on the front row.

The candidates entered the hall, The declaration was made with a total of 1,168,738 first and second preference votes Boris Johnson was declared Mayor of London.

The rest is now history. Who would have thought it a few months ago, we now have a Tory Mayor.