THERE has never been a European election quite like it.

Many of the candidates bidding to become one of Cumbria’s new Euro MP s are doing so with the express intention of abolishing the job, and hastening UK’s departure from this troubled economic and political union.

Others fervently hope to overturn the UK’s referendum choice of June, 2016, which put us on the road to Brexit.

But what range of views are there among the parties who are today at the heart of this political race?

Some commentators predict a political earthquake will be achieved by Nigel Farage’s month-old Brexit Party, whose policy and ambition is all there in the name.

“We’ve been getting a tremendous response,” said vote leave activist John Stanyer, who has lead the campaign for Brexit Party candidates across Cumbria. He expects the party to mop up around 40 per cent of the available votes, attracting support from Labour and Conservative voters frustrated by the Brexit impasse.

“People who voted leave still want to leave,” said John.

“It was the biggest democratic poll we have had in years and the result of that referendum has still not been honoured by our political leaders and the political class in London.”

John commented that during his campaigning in west Cumbria he had not seen a single political rival, from either Labour or the Conservatives. He said he and others abandoned UKIP because it had gone in a political direction he did not like.

Carlisle City Council’s new leader, Conservative John Mallinson, has already voted for this party in today’s election but he understands the widespread discontent. “Until a few weeks ago, nobody imagined these elections would take place,” said Mr Mallinson.

“We had a result in the referendum which was close but clear and Parliament has failed to deliver it. So it’s hardly surprising people think Parliament is discredited.

“A few days ago, [former Prime Minister] John Major said there is now no middle ground in British politics and I agree with him. It’s something I regret because that politically is where I belong. I voted remain, and I don’t regret that but I lost the argument.

“The wishes of the majority should be honoured.”

Gina Dowding is a Green Party’s candidate in the North West.

“Our country is at a pivotal point,” she said. “We have three clear messages. First, we’re a remain party. We’re in a Brexit mess and the only way to deal with it is to go back to the people with a confirmatory vote, and by tackling big issues collectively, across borders.

“Second, only the Green Party has the political will and policies to deal with the climate emergency, through the green new deal, and investing in no-carbon industries; and thirdly, we’re about rebuilding communities, tackling poverty in the UK and moving towards social justice.” Nobody from Labour was available.