Several of the candidates have now arrived at Mote Hall in Maidstone where the count is taking place for two general election constituencies.

Hairy Knorm Davidson is stalking the hall in a purple hat adorned with flashing lights. He is the Official Monster Raving Loony candidate in Faversham and Mid Kent.

His Lib Dem rival Dave Naghi is also here, as are Hannah Patton of the Greens, Helen Grant of the Conservatives, Independent Robin Kinrade and Dr Paul Hobday of NHAP, all contesting the Maidstone and the Weald constituency.

Although the count proper has not yet begun, the party supporters are desperately tallying up the votes for their candidates and trying to assess who is ahead.