LOWEST VOTE FOR THE LEFT

The party secured only 15 per cent of the vote in the elections for the European Parliament, coming third behind the UK Independence Party.

It was its lowest share of the vote since the general election of 1910.

The Tories had the biggest share, with 28.6 per cent – a two per cent rise on their 2004 Euro election result – and gained an extra seat in the European Parliament.

UKIP celebrated winning second place with 17.4 per cent of the vote, gaining an extra Euro MP to take their total to 13.

The Lib Dems had a disappointing night in their first national poll test since Nick Clegg became leader.

Hopes of overtaking Labour were dashed as the Lib Dem vote share reached only 13.9 per cent.