Brighton and Hove go to polls in European elections

Tens of thousands of people in Brighton and Hove have so far cast their votes in crucial European elections.

With all ten south east regional seats on the European Parliament up for grabs, it is the only guaranteed way in which British people can have a say in what happens in Brussels.

Ukip, whose leader Nigel Farage represents the south east in the European Parliament, are favourites to come out on top, according to national polls.

The Conservatives, who currently have five out of the ten seats, hope to maintain its position while the Liberal Democrats are expected to lose at least one of their two seats.

Labour and Greens, who both have one seat each in the south east, have hopes to capitalise.

Polling stations will remain open until 10pm in what will be the last major indicator of public opinion ahead of next year’s 2015 general election.

Those living in Adur and Worthing also have local elections.

Valerie Pearce, deputy returning officer in the Brighton and Hove area, posted the above picture during a tour of 18 polling stations in the city.

She said there had been another 2,100 postal votes received so far today taking the total to 23,100 out of 35,000 issued.

The results of the ballot will be announced on Sunday.