AS THE polling stations closed across Kent and other parts of the country, all three main parties were claiming they had a chance of forming the next government. But the winner will not be known until the early hours of Friday.

Attention will also be focused on turn-out, which in 2001 fell to 59 per cent, the lowest level since 1918. But with many people expected to vote after work there are still few indications on turn-out levels as yet.

At the end of the last Parliament, Labour had 410 MPs, the Conservatives 164 and the Liberal Democrats 54.

To gain a majority at this election, when boundary changes mean there are fewer seats available, one party needs to win 324 seats.

Tory leader Michael Howard and his wife Sandra voted, along with their daughter Larissa, at a village hall near Hythe .

Labour leader Tony Blair cast his vote, along with his wife Cherie and two sons Euan and Nicky, at the Trimdon Colliery Community Centre in his Sedgefield constituency while

Charles Kennedy and his wife Sarah cast their votes at the Caol Community Centre in Fort William in his Ross and Skye constituency.

Local elections are also taking place in 34 county councils and three unitary authorities in England. There are also four mayoral contests.