THE four General Election candidates in Taunton Deane are making their last-minute pitches for your vote today ahead of polling day tomorrow.

County Gazette reporters will be at the count at Blackbrook Pavilion, Taunton, so this website can bring you the all-important result as it happens, expected in the small hours of Friday.

You can also get the latest election news from the across the country - and play some light-hearted election games - in our special election section – click on the Related Link below for more details.

There will be no let up in the campaigning today as the four candidates for the new Taunton Deane constituency - Jeremy Browne (LibDem), Mark Formosa (Conservative), Martin Jevon (Labour) and Tony McIntyre (UKIP), continue their fight.

This was the result last time in 2005 (Candidate, votes, share of vote):

  • Jeremy Browne, LibDem, 25,764, 43.3%
  • Adrian Flook, Conservative, 25,191, 42.3%
  • Helen Miles, UKIP, 1,441, 2.4%
  • Turnout: 69.7%

Since 2005 the Taunton constituency boundary has been changed and it has been renamed Taunton Deane.

Some 3,800 voters in Exford, Exmoor, Withypool, Hawkridge, Brompton Regis, Bury, Huish Champflower, Skilgate, Upton, Exton, Winsford, Cutcombe, Brushford and Dulverton will be voting in the new Bridgwater and West Somerset Parliamentary Constituency this time.

For anyone unsure of how to vote tomorrow, the four candidates here offer 100 words on why they want your vote.

JEREMY BROWNE (LibDem): Elections are always extremely close in Taunton Deane and I would be grateful for your support today. I hope I have been a dedicated and accessible MP who shares the same priorities as local residents. I was very supportive of the Beacon Centre and worked hard to keep the UK Hydrographic Office in Taunton. My next priorities are a new surgical centre at Musgrove Park Hospital and extra investment in local schools. If you want a fresh start for Britain, it is Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats who are offering an exciting real change at this election.

MARK FORMOSA (Con): Voters have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change their Government today. It’s clear they will reject Gordon Brown and they recognise only Conservatives can remove him and form a new Government. I will be proud if Taunton Deane residents elect me to be a part of that Government. I will put local people before party politics – I’ve already done so where I’ve campaigned against decisions like the closure of Nynehead School. I’m proud of my record in campaigning for free hospital car parking, a new railway station for Wellington, more police on the beat and opposing housing development on green wedges.

MARTIN JEVON (Lab): Taunton Deane needs a local champion – someone who understands the needs and challenges that face the local community, recognising that Taunton Deane is a mixed rural and urban community. My three priorities if I’m elected as Taunton Deane’s MP will be housing, transport and ensuring that the people of Taunton Deane get a fair deal no matter who is in control of Parliament. I’d be proud to serve Taunton Deane as its MP having been raised and lived here all my life.

TONY McINTYRE (UKIP): UKIP stands on the platform of demanding a referendum on in or out of the EU. It also supports the concept of a hung/balanced parliament. We are the only party in Taunton Deane to state categorically both of these targets. With so much being said about tactical voting I would urge everyone who is still to vote to make their choice based upon their principles rather than pander to the scare mongering messages that are being circulated by the press at the behest of the Labour and Conservative parties. Be honest with yourself and vote UKIP for real change.