London, Apr 4: London Mayor Ken Livingstone has admitted that he has fathered three children in secret, in addition to the two he already has.

Liningstone revealed that he has five children by three different women as he tries to pre-empt publication of a book next week about his private life which could dent his re-election bid.

Livingstone was thought to have become a father for the first time at the age of 57 with his partner Emma Beale. They have a boy, Thomas, and a girl, Mia.

But he confirmed on Thursday that by then he had already had three children - a boy with one woman, and two girls with another.

The 62-year-old London Mayor said he felt "no guilt whatsoever".

"I don't think anybody in this city will be shocked by what two consenting adults do, as long as you don't include children, animals and vegetables. No one has ever found anything in my private life that was illegal or immoral," The Sun quoted Livingstone, as saying.

"I have never discussed my private life because it is not a relevant factor. There is nothing in my private life that is not known to my partner, family or my close friends," he added.

Livingstone, who is in regular contact with all his kids, has recently hit out at "bad parenting".

Last night, a poll suggested Tory candidate Boris Johnson would beat him in elections. A Conservative victory in May mayoral elections would be a major propaganda boost to party leader David Cameron. (ANI)