UKIP dominate local area in European elections

A political shapeshift has taken place in the East Midlands during the European Election results, with UKIP running out as winners.

A complete shift in political momentum sees, Kettering and Wellingborough and Northampton becoming UKIP strongholds. 

UKIP also finished second in Corby, behind Labour, with UKIP and the Conservatives sharing 2 seats each out of the 5 available in the East Midlands.

Labour did at least manage to keep one seat in this region.

The East Midlands MEP seats were awarded to, Roger Helmer (UKIP), Margot Parker (UKIP), Andrew Lewer (Conservatives) Emma McClarkin (Conservatives), Glennys Willmot (Labour)

UKIP have seen a massive gain since receiving only 18% of the vote in 2009 to coming top in Kettering in this years election.

Votes were announced at 10pm and UKIP have made Kettering one of their fortresses with a total of 38% of the vote.

Opinions still vary from one Kettering voter to another on UKIP's rise in the region. 

Kettering resident Daniel Sawford, 19, believes UKIP can succeed if they give the people 'what they want'.

Another resident said, "I agreed with some of UKIP's policies but didn't think coming out [of] Europe is sensible and some of their policies are too extreme."

Labour did however make a gain in the Kettering results, with them gaining 5% of the votes on last time.

Conservatives have dropped to second in the Kettering area, despite only a 3% decrease in votes.

The 2014 results for Kettering in percentile format are as follows, with their 2009 comparison in brackets:
UKIP 38% (18%)

Tories 32% (35%)

Labour 20% (15%)

Lib Dem 4% (10%)

Thomas W. McCartin