Yes folks, the latest episode in the UK/EU membership debate unfolds today as voting takes place in the Rochester & Strood by-election.
The United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) are expected to get the nod over the ruling Conservatives with the former Tory MP Mark Reckless defecting to join the EU-sceptics in September, but keeping his personal vote intact. The by-election follows on from the previous UKIP win in Clacton recently
Reckless won the seat for the Conservatives in 2010 with 49.2% of the vote. Labour came second with 28.5%, followed by the Lib Dems, the English Democrats and Green Party
Voting lasts from 07:00 GMT until 22:00 GMT. The result is due early tomorrow ( Friday ).
All eyes then on the town (where Charles Dickens wrote many of his finest works) as the EU referendum issue and PM Cameron’s promised re-negotiation of terms grinds its way into next May’s general election. The political landscape over here is most certainly in change-mode with a UKIP win here potentially giving rise to further Conservative defections, and that uncertainty will continue to cast a shadow over the pound.
Great Expectations or a Bleak House ?
Rochester voters head to the polling stations ( or are this bunch the candidates?)
