IN PRIVATE, at least, everyone appears to agree that the only question remaining in the race to become mayor of Middlesbrough is how many votes Ray Mallon will win by.

On the eve of polling, all parties accept they are trailing in the wake of the man dubbed Robocop.

The only threat to his chances comes from Labour - and party members admit their problem is getting their vote out.

Supporters of former Detective Superintendent Mallon, the architect in Britain of US-style zero tolerance police techniques, admit to being "quietly confident" of victory.

The number of votes cast overall, so far, is low; 35,000 papers returned, equivalent to a 33 per cent turn out. The actual vote for a referendum was 35 per cent.

A spokesman for the Mallon camp said: "We are not being complacent, we are going right to the wire, but our analysis shows we have, so far, got between 65 per cent to 70 per cent of the votes cast.

"But on Friday we will know when people have made their judgement."

Publicly, Labour remains upbeat. Councillor Eddie Dryden, agent for Labour candidate Sylvia Connolly, remains adamant the election is "a two-horse race".

He said: "From our point of view it's going well.

"The doorstep response is excellent, but the story is getting our voters out."

Socialist Alliance candidate Jeff Fowler said: "With the community council meetings we have been to you get the impression a lot of people are supporting Ray Mallon, but when you talk to people in the street, round the houses and shopping centres, we get a good response for all our policies.

"I am looking to saving my deposit."

Liberal Democrat hopeful Joe Michna said: "I would like to think we are still in there with a shouting chance, but one has to be realistic with these things.

"We have to contend with the matter of the local Labour Party and the Mallon publicity machine - between a rock and a hard place.

"But we have had a good, worthwhile, upfront campaign and I have found it very enjoyable."

Pub landlord Ron Darby, the Conservative candidate, said: "It's going well and I am very pleased with what I am hearing.

"If you can believe what people are saying, I think a lot may be in for a shock when the Conservative vote comes through."

Independent Rod Jones said: "My personal campaign is going very well, but it is only going as well as the number of people I can contact.

"I have got a good following from central Middlesbrough."

But, barring a late surge for Labour, it seems certain that the former detective is within 24 hours of taking charge of the streets he once policed