Sadiq Khan backed by Star Wars Luke Skywalker actor Mark Hamill

Sadiq Khan has won the support of Star Wars actor Mark Hamill, who said the mayor had been a driving “force” in “cleaning up London’s air” and should be re-elected in Thursday’s mayoral election.

The starry endorsement came as more than 80 business leaders jointly announced that they were backing the Labour mayor – although several are Labour councillors or have close links to the party.

Mr Hamill, who played Jedi knight Luke Skywalker in the popular film franchise, posted a photo of himself with Mr Khan on social media, saying: “I LOVE London! Lived there for years while filming & our 1st child was born there, in St John’s Wood.

“I wholeheartedly support Sadiq Khan for Mayor on May 2. He’s been a driving force in cleaning up London’s air & choosing #HopeOverFear For a fairer, safer & greener London, please vote for Sadiq Khan!”

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The 83 business leaders who jointly endorsed the mayor said he “has supported London’s businesses large and small through tough times, and is the right candidate to deliver growth in London’s economy”.

While the list of names includes several notable figures – such as Canary Wharf Group chairman Sir George Iacobescu – it features at least four serving Labour councillors: Munsur Ali, Brendan Chilton, Paul Dimoldenberg and Ibrahim Dogus.

Also on the list are Labour Lord Sonny Leong CBE, current MP candidate Kevin Craig, former MP candidate Chris Ostrowski, and Sushil Saluja, who is married to Labour MP Seema Malhotra.

Another name is Iain Anderson, a former business adviser to Boris Johnson who jumped ship from the Tories to Labour last year. He is the founder of Cicero public relations group, and has been asked by Labour to draw up a plan to bring business into the heart of government, if they win the next general election.

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A poll on Wednesday has suggested that the race could have tightened in recent days, as it showed the mayor with a 10-point lead over Tory candidate Susan Hall, the smallest margin yet.

The new survey by Savanta put Mr Khan on 42% and Ms Hall on 32%. Liberal Democrat Rob Blackie is on 10%, Green Party candidate Zoe Garbett on 8% and Reform UK’s Howard Cox on 3%.

The London mayoral election is Thursday May 2, along with elections for the London Assembly. The polls open at 7am and close at 10pm.