Whatever the result of the mayoral election, there surely won't be much future use for the fine photograph above or for others showing those old friends Boris and Ken in close proximity. A large part of me sorely hopes not.
Although I've argued what I hope has been a measured case for Londoners to return the Labour man to City Hall, the re-run of the 2008 race was always destined to be marked by shallowness, spite and negativity. And so it has proved. Whatever the outcome, I'll be glad when it's all over. My relief will be like that of a pig farmer sinking into a hot bath.
The results of both the mayoral scrap and polls for the London assembly are expected to be announced from early this evening, though if last time is any guide we'll know nothing until near midnight. Whatever the hour, the Guardian will be on the case, with a live blog carrying all the stats and reaction.
Opinion polls have predicted a second Johnson term, which would do something to lighten Conservative gloom about their fortunes elsewhere. Labour is expected to make gains on the assembly at Tory expense. Liberal Democrat and Green candidates will be particularly anxious, with their prospects of maintaining their small but important levels of representation on the assembly in the balance. Meanwhile, UKIP is hoping to win at least one seat.
As I write, ballot papers are being electronically scanned at three counting centres: Alexandra Palace, Olympia and Excel. You can learn more about the process from London Elects and MayorWatch. Until that is complete, its nail-gnawing time for the capital's political animals and finger-twiddling time for me. However will I pass the time?
The Guardian on London
London mayor and local elections 2012 - live polling day coverage
London assembly election results 2012
All London mayoral election 2012 coverage
Tory borough plans to move homeless away from London
Metropolitan police plastic bullets stockpile up to 10,000 after UK riots
Hundreds gather for screening of La Haine at Broadwater Farm
Things mostly ignored about politics in Tower Hamlets
Last Parliament Square protest tent can be removed
London 2012 Olympics: there will be queues, says Coe
London Olympics anti-terrorism tactics bring missile launchers to Blackheath
London 2012's stupendous insanity leaves sport as an also-ran
2012 Olympics: Kabul. Baghdad. London. Three to avoid this summer
Sir Terry Farrell woos Battersea Power Station developers
Streatham's no s***hole, it's a vibrant place I'm proud to call my home
London blogosphere
Being tired and mildly emotional, I loved this from Brixton blog:
Two officers from Brixton police station have been praised after they helped deliver a baby this morning. PC Matt Spence and PC Gill Moriarty were called to a home in Knights Hill just before 3am but had no idea what they might find after the baby's father made a distressed call asking for police to attend his home address. When they arrived the team were met with a heavily pregnant woman who had gone in to labour.
Oh, beautiful. Now read on.
Coming up
Those election results. Then some rest. And then...?
