ONE of the key issues in the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election, the future of Uxbridge police station, has ignited the contest.

The Labour Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, announced today (3) he had advised the Met Police Commissioner the station should not be closed.

Now, with polling day just over two weeks away, Labour and Conservative are claiming the credit for keeping it open.

Steve Tuckwell, the Conservative candidate, said: “It's clear the Mayor is only responding now because Labour are terrified his decisions to expand the ULEZ emission zone and to shut our local police station is costing them votes.”

Colleagues insist they have waged a six-year campaign to save the station.

Danny Beales, Labour’s candidate, said: “I’m delighted with today’s decision, which I have been campaigning for since last year.

“I want to thank everyone who supported our campaign, signed our petition and helped us build pressure to deliver this victory for local people.”