THE MAYOR of London says “the future of King George's A&E is on the ballot paper” at the election in Ilford North tomorrow.

Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan visited the hospital in Goodmayes this weekend (June 3) in a bid to “call out” the Conservatives on their claims the emergency department is not closing.

The decision to shut Redbridge’s only A&E was taken by Health Secretary Andrew Lansley in 2011 on the condition neighbouring facilities at Queen’s in Romford and Whipps Cross in Leytonstone could take the extra strain.

Earlier this year the executive lead for the North East London Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) confirmed the department would be downgraded to an “urgent care centre” by 2019 if all the necessary safety measures were in place.

But on a visit to back Tory candidate Lee Scott last month, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said he could not see it closing “in the foreseeable future” in light of the pressures still facing nearby hospitals.

On his second visit to back Labour incumbent Wes Streeting, Mr Khan accused local Conservatives of “misleading” residents over what is going to happen to the A&E.

He said: “The future of King George A&E is on the ballot paper this Thursday, it’s as simple as that.

“I’ve seen the Tories break premises to keep emergency units open in London, and in Ilford North they have shown they’re prepared to mislead residents about the future at King George.

“Residents have to ask themselves if they can really trust a Tory MP to fight a Tory A&E closure.”

Mr Streeting’s rival and predecessor of 10 years Lee Scott has repeatedly accused him of “scaremongering” by telling people the A&E is closing.

He said: “Labour’s fearmongering is affecting staff morale, putting jobs at risk, and stopping our hospitals recruiting the doctors and nurses we need.”

Mr Streeting insisted the Government has not reversed its decision and there is “no evidence” to say the A&E will remain open.

His colleague in Ilford South Mike Gapes added the only way to ensure the A&E does not close is to “vote Labour”.