Boris Johnson opens 4-point lead over Livingstone Days after Britain entered a double-dip recession, today's poll of 1,231 Londoners found that 28% believe Mr Johnson is best-placed to lead the city back to recovery, against 23% for Mr Livingstone, according to the YouGov poll. Mr Johnson was seen as the best candidate at tackling crime by 29% of those questioned, compared to Mr Livingstone's 21%, with Liberal Democrat and former Metropolitan Police officer Brian Paddick on 19%. Under London's two-round voting system, some 44% of those taking part in the poll said they would make Mr Johnson their first-choice vote, three points ahead of Mr Livingstone on 41%, with Mr Paddick trailing on 6%. Independent Siobhan Benita, Ukip's Lawrence Webb and Green Jenny Jones each had 3% support. After the backers of less successful candidates were redistributed for the second-round run-off between the two front-runners, Mr Johnson secured 52% against Mr Livingstone's 48%. There were indications of a decrease in the so-called "Livingstone drag" effect which has made Labour's candidate less popular than his party in London polls. Only 9% of those planning to vote Labour in the London Assembly elections said they would back Mr Johnson in the mayoral ballot - compared to 13% two weeks ago. Mr Livingstone said: "Tory fare hikes, Tory recession, Tory police cuts, Tory scandal over phone-hacking all mean we need Labour values and a Labour administration in London. If I am elected, London will have a Labour mayor who from day one will work to make London commuters on average £1,000 better off by cutting fares. I will cut fares, reinstate education maintenance allowance, help with the cost of childcare and household energy costs, and reverse the Tory police cuts. The alternative is a Conservative mayor who stands for a privileged minority, raising fares and campaigning for lower taxes for the richest.