Brian Paddick has launched his campaign for Mayor with a pledge to cut crime in London by 20 per cent over the next four years.

The former Met officer, who oversaw a dramatic fall in crime in Lambeth during his time as borough commander, said he would stand down after one term if he failed to meet his target.

He promised to take personal responsibility for "stopping the slaughter on our streets" by chairing the Metropolitan Police Authority should he win the mayoral race.

Mr Paddick also promised to improve the reliability of the Tube and bus services and bring in unlimited travel for one hour on the Oyster card.

He said he would increase affordable housing by using the money currently spent on temporary accommodation to build new permanent social housing.

But the Lib Dem candidate put tackling crime at the heart of his campaign launch at Brixton Town Hall, attacking his rivals' records on the issue.

"Ken Livingstone said he cannot do anything about gun and knife crime. Boris Johnson has admitted he doesn't have the experience to deal with it. It's time for someone who can stop the slaughter on our streets," he said.

He spoke as police announced the death of Khalil Nasseri, 24, who was stabbed in Brixton over the weekend.

In an Evening Standard article, Mr Paddick said Mr Livingstone's handling of crime had left Londoners feeling as unsafe as ever.

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