RESIDENTS across south Buckinghamshire will today cast their vote to help select the MEPs that will represent them in the European Parliament.

In total 10 MEPs will represent the South East region, which includes this county.

The last European parliamentary election in 2009 was won by the Tories, but this year could see UKIP put in a stronger showing if opinion polls are to be believed.

Since the 2009 election the South East has been represented by five Conservative MEPs, one Green Party MEP, one Labour MEP, two Liberal Democrat MEPs and one UKIP MEP.

Standing at this year’s election for the South East region will be 15 parties, with a total of 118 candidates battling for the seats.

The number of candidates per party ranges from one to 10.

Polling stations are open across Bucks from 7am to 10pm. Vote counting will take place on Sunday, May 25, three days after today’s election.

Below is a list of the parties contending for the 10 seats available:

An Independence from Europe (10 candidates standing)

British National Party (10 candidates standing)

Christian Peoples Alliance (9 candidates standing)

Conservative (10 candidates standing)

English Democrats (10 candidates standing)

Green Party (10 candidates standing)

The Harmony Party (2 candidates standing)

Labour Party (10 candidates standing)

Liberal Democrats (10 candidates standing)

Liberty GB (3 candidates standing)

The Peace Party (10 candidates standing)

The Roman Party (1 candidate standing)

Socialist Party of Great Britain (10 candidates standing)

UKIP (10 candidates standing)

YOURvoice (3 candidates standing)