Nation watches as Oldham votes

EARLY VOTER: Kenneth Dean at Downey House, Royton

THE eyes of the nation are on Oldham West and Royton today as the constituency goes to the polls.

Voting closes at 10pm and a result is expected in the early hours of tomorrow morning. The by-election follows the death of long-standing Labour MP Michael Meacher in October.

The candidates are: Jim McMahon (Labour), John Bickley (UKIP), James Daly (Conservative), Jane Brophy (Lib-Dem), Simeon Hart (Green Party) and Sir Oink-A-Lot (Monster Raving Loony Party).

Full reports, pictures and reaction tomorrow