Labour lost its weight in the EP elections. Photograph: europa.eu

The European election results have shown a nationwide preference for the Conservative Party at the expense of Labour. In London, Labour came second, taking two seats – one less than in 2004. The Conservatives retained their three seats.

One seat each was won by the Green Party, the Liberal Democrats and UK Independence Party (UKIP).
Turnout in London was 34 percent, compared to almost 38 percent in 2004. Just about 11 percent of Londoners who took part in the elections voted for the Labour Party, which is about 3.5 percent down compared to 2004.


The results came as little surprise, given the economic crisis and the scandal around MPs’ expenses that has weakened Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s position in the country.


However, Labour losses were less pronounced in London, proving that the capital is not a microcosm of the country.


“Despite the terrible results across the country, it’s a consolation that we didn’t collapse in London,” said Phil Dilks, spokesman of the Labour Party.

Many explained the country-wide collapse of Labour with the rise of the far-right British National Party (BNP), which took two seats for the first time. In this political and economic landscape an electoral breakthrough for the BNP was not unexpected. Yet, the BNP didn’t win any seats in London.

“We ran a well organised campaign in London and managed to raise awareness against the BNP,” said Mr Dilks.


About 1.7 million Londoners voted for eight seats representing London in the European Parliament – the number having been reduced from nine because of the expansion of the European Union.

The Conservatives won 479,000 votes, the Labour Party was second with 372,000, and the Liberal Democrats third with 240,000.

The Green Party was fourth with 190,000 votes, while UKIP polled at 188,440 and the BNP sixth with 86,000.