Mayor's no-show

Ken Livingstone found himself replaced with a cardboard cut-out after failing to attend a live TV debate on the mayoral race.

A life-size image of the Mayor took the place of the real thing during Richard Littlejohn's talk show on Sky television. His rivals, barely able to contain their glee, compared the situation to the Have I Got News For You show when Roy Hattersley was replaced by a tub of lard.

Sources close to Mr Livingstone claim he was unaware of the mixup. But Sky bosses are said to be furious after trying for weeks to secure his appearance alongside Steve Norris and Simon Hughes.

The Mayor has also refused to take part in This is London's live election webchats, despite the other major candidates, including Steve Norris and Simon Hughes all agreeing to be questioned.