Darren mans Clinton's poll hotline

DARREN Bradshaw, from Lees, went on a two-week holiday to California and began volunteering for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign

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FOR most people a holiday is a time to relax and switch off from the outside world.

But one man from Oldham decided to use his two-week trip to California to help make history in order to get the Democratic Party candidate Hillary Clinton elected as the next president of the United States of America.

US citizens go to the polls today to decide if they want Mrs Clinton or Donald Trump, of the Republican Party, to be their next president.

American politics enthusiast Darren Bradshaw (48), from Lees, flew out to California with his partner Martin Andrews (58) on the last weekend of October.

The couple did the usual touristy things, but soon into the holiday Darren decided - as you do - to enquire at the Democratic Party office, in Cathedral City, to see if he could help with the Clinton campaign.

After doing a few background checks Darren was able to help out and has spent the last four days making phone calls to swing states to get the vote out for Mrs Clinton.

Darren, who is a registrar for Oldham Council and a magistrate in Tameside, said: "My friends think I'm bizarre and crazy! I've always been interested in US politics

"America is on the edge of a cliff. I wanted to be involved and play a small part.

"I'm not involved in any political parties in the UK. US politics is more lively.

"Whoever the next president is going to be won't just affect America.

"The people at the local Democratic office have been really kind and friendly. They're really welcoming and supportive and grateful that other people are interested in what's happening here.

"When phoning people in North Carolina or Nevada, the swing states, on behalf of the Democratic Party, they're curious why this Englishman is calling."

A week ago, Mrs Clinton was ahead in the national polls, but her lead has shrunk dramatically.

She has been cleared for a second time by the FBI over her use of a private email server while secretary of state from 2009-2013.

The issue has dogged her campaign for the presidency, but days before the election the FBI said it has found no criminal wrongdoing in the emails.

"It's looking really good for Hillary," said Darren. "She'll be the first woman to be the US president, the first lady to be the president. It's so historic.

"I think Hillary Clinton is a fighter," said Darren. "I think she's cool, controlled and confident.

"Her policies are the best for the US and the world. I was glad when the FBI cleared her.

"I know there has been an issue but every politician has baggage and inperfections. To me she is the right and proper choice

"She's head and shoulders above Donald Trump. I think he's bizarre.

"Some of the things he has said are not fit for the office of the president of the United States. I think he could be divisive."

Polls close in the earliest states at midnight UK time. All the polls with the exception of Alaska will have closed by 4am on Wednesday.