The Conservatives have polled ahead of both Labour, UKIP and the Liberal Democrats in the European Elections in the East Midlands.

The Conservatives secured two East Midlands MEP's, Roger Helmer and Emma McClarkin from the five seats available as part of the proportional voting system used in the European Elections.

In Derby City, the Conservatives jumped from third place into first increasing their vote share by over 6%. In contrast Labour, the Lib Dems and UKIP saw their vote share fall.

The Euro results are the closest indicator of how votes will be cast in Derby during the forthcoming general election, to be held within the next twelve months.

It confirms that Conservative Derby North Parliamentary candidate, Stephen Mold is the main challenger to sitting Labour MP Bob Laxton and also raises serious questions as to whether former Labour cabinet minister, Margaret Beckett can hold on to her Derby South seat. Prior to the result, Derby South Conservative candidate, Jack Perschke had already reported, from his work in the area, that support for Beckett and Labour was crumbling.

The Liberal Democrats in Derby will be disappointed to have failed to capitalise on Labour's huge fall in support, seeing their vote also drop to just 15% - narrowly beating UKIP into third place.

The result is a huge blow to the Liberal Democrats' chances in Derby North, which includes Mickleover and Littleover wards. They had previously been optimistic that the area was a target for them in the General Election.

Derby City Conservative leader, Harvey Jennings said, " This proves that the Conservatives are the party of choice locally. We are the only party to have increased our vote share compared to Labour, the Lib Dems and UKIP who all lost out.

There is a lot of work to do, but we are increasingly confident that the people of Derby are turning to us to take the City forward as well as supporting us to replace this failing Labour government as soon as possible. "

The Conservatives have taken control of Derbyshire County Council after 28 years of a Labour administration.

Incoming Conservative Council leader, Andrew Lewer said the result showed the Labour Party was 'in terminal decline'.

Large swings made it a landslide and completes a comprehensive 'wipe-out' of Gordon Brown's Labour Party in the 2009 local elections.

Euro Election results are due on Sunday and the Conservatives are confident of holding their two East Midlands MEP seats.

Today is local and European Election Day, your chance to Vote for Change.

In the European Elections, a vote for the Conservatives will help us get the referendum on the EU Constitution that every major political party promised in their 2005 election manifestos.

In today’s local Elections, voting for the Conservatives will help keep your council tax down and get value for money.
In his Election Day message, David Cameron explained the importance of today’s elections and stressed, “Above all, vote for the Conservatives today to send a message to Gordon Brown that his time is up; we need change; we need a General Election.”

The polls are open from 7am to 10pm.