NORTH SWINDON: SMALLER parties in North Swindon are growing and attracting more attention.

The Socialist Unity Party and UKIP have both increased their share of the votes from the last election.

And, even an independent candidate who wants to abolish money gained 195 votes.

Andy Newman, of the Socialist Unity Party said: "I am pleased that Labour have won but I wish they had had a more reduced majority to embarrass them.

"We have been completely squeezed by Labour and the Tories. Labour has been scare-mongering that the Tories could win and so people have been voting to keep the Tories out.

"If we had had proportional representation we would have had more votes, people want to vote on the basis of who will win and Labour and the Tories are the only parties that can win in Swindon.

"Votes have been taken away from the smaller parties and I want to see proportional representation at the next election to give us more of a chance.''

Robin Tingey, stood as the UKIP candidate for North Swindon for the first time last night.

He said: "Swindon is not a target area for us. I think people think voting for UKIP is a wasted vote in the general election.

"I thought the result was going to be a bit better.''

"But I'm glad we've increased our votes because it means we are making progress."

New to politics, Ernie Reynolds stood as an Independent candidate but was not present at the election.