European Parliament election, 2004 (UK)

The European Parliament election, 2004 was the UK part of the European Parliament election, 2004. It was the first European election to be held in the United Kingdom using postal-only voting in four areas. It coincided with local and regional elections.

Related Topics:
European Parliament election, 2004 - United Kingdom - Local and regional elections

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The Conservative Party and the Labour Party both polled poorly. The Conservatives, although getting a vote share 4.1% greater than Labour, still experienced their lowest vote share in a national election since 1832. Labour's vote share was its lowest since 1918. Labour's decline in votes was regarded as being largely due to widespread public dissatisfaction about the Iraq War and, as with the Conservatives, the increased popularity of the United Kingdom Independence Party.

Related Topics:
Conservative Party - Labour Party - 1918 - United Kingdom Independence Party

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The United Kingdom Independence Party did exceptionally well, and managed to increase its number of MEPs from 3 to 12, pushing the Liberal Democrats into fourth place. UKIP received a very large increase in media coverage before the elections, partly because of the appointment of Robert Kilroy-Silk as a candidate. The actress Joan Collins also became a member and announced her support for the party.

Related Topics:
United Kingdom Independence Party - MEP - Liberal Democrats - Robert Kilroy-Silk - Joan Collins

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Other minor parties also posted vote gains.

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In Northern Ireland, as expected, Sinn Féin beat the SDLP in the polls and took its first Northern Ireland seat. This coincided with its winning a seat in the corresponding elections in the Republic.

Related Topics:
Northern Ireland - Sinn Féin - SDLP - Corresponding elections - Republic

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Gibraltar voted for the first time, as part of the South West England region. The Conservative Party won overwhelming support there on a higher than average turnout. For full results, see European Parliament Election, 2004 (Gibraltar).

Related Topics:
Gibraltar - South West England - Conservative Party - European Parliament Election, 2004 (Gibraltar)

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