VOTING is underway across London to elect eight new representatives for the capital in the European Parliament.

Polls opened at 7am this morning and close at 10pm tonight.

The election is based on the system of proportional representation, with the public voting in a list system for parties or independents, rather than individual candidates.

The parties standing are: the British National Party, the Christian Party, the Conservative Party, the English Democrats Party, the Jury Team, the Liberal Democrats, No2EU: Yes to Democracy, Libertas, the Socialist Labour Party, the Green Party, the Labour Party, the Socialist Party of Great Britain, the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) and Yes 2 Europe.

There are also five independent candidates standing.