Lib Dems Surge to Second in Brighton & Hove

The Liberal Democrats have secured the best ever European Election result in the party's history, returning 16 MEPs nationally and taking second place in vote share.

Lib Dems and Greens both beat the Brexit Party in Brighton and Hove and Labour came 4th.

Local election agent Paul Chandler said: "Many thanks to all in the city who voted Lib Dem today. We realise that for some people this is the first time they have voted Lib Dem. Please, don't make it the last!"

In the South East Region we have returned 3 MEPs on 26% of the vote, finishing in second place. We secured 8% in 2014 and our previous best result was 15.3%.

Having run an unambiguous campaign to stop Brexit the party has made huge gains across the country, which follow the party's best ever gains in English local election results at the start of May.

Beatrice Bass, Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Hove, said:

"We are truly grateful for the vote of confidence in the Liberal Democrat policy on Europe that saw us secure the best ever European election result in the party's history. This builds on our rapid increase in membership and support in the last three years.

Congratulations to Liberal Democrat MEPs Catherine Bearder, Antony Hook and Judith Bunting who will represent the Remain voice in the South East. I am pleased to see such a fantastic and diverse group of Lib Dem MEPs who are dedicated to stop Brexit and fight for liberal values as part of the Alliance for Liberals and Democrats for Europe group (ALDE).

We are ready for a General Election, should one be called in the next few months, ready to build on the support for our party in the local elections."