The Times Series reader poll on whether under fire Mayor Hugh Rayner should step down from his post has produced an overwhelming YES.

A total of 86 per cent of people voted in favour of seeing Barnet’s first citizen resign over allegations that he acted illegally towards tenants living in the properties he owns.

In contrast to the 561 people who said he should resign, just 92 people said he should not.

Cllr Rayner has been the subject of criticism this week after GLA member for Barnet Andrew Dismore revealed several instances of “unfair” behaviour during the London Assembly Question Time last week.

The Hale councillor owns 15 properties in Colindale with his wife Susan, and four more under his firm’s name – S&H Housing Limited.

Amongst a range of allegations, he was accused of drafting 12-month contracts which allow rent increases at any time during the year, and visiting a tenant unannounced at 10pm asking her to sign the lease.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson openly admitted Cllr Rayner’s behaviour has been “prima facie illegal”.

A Times Series investigation also revealed he failed to declare any interests in housing when voting on policies relating to the matter at full council and in his capacity as chairman of the business management overview and scrutiny committee.