ANOTHER election is upon us – with polling opening across the country today (Thursday). It is time for the people of Barking and Dagenham to help decide who will represent the great city of London in the European Parliament (EP). Hoping to be re-elected

ANOTHER election is upon us - with polling opening across the country today (Thursday).

It is time for the people of Barking and Dagenham to help decide who will represent the great city of London in the European Parliament (EP).

Hoping to be re-elected this year is Labour MEP candidate Claude Moraes.

He is the party's number one choice and has represented London in the European Parliament since 1999.

Mr Moraes is President of the EP Intergroup on Anti-Racism and Diversity, and is active on the issues of regeneration and social exclusion, human rights, employment and justice and home affairs, including migration and people-trafficking.

When the POST contacted the Conservative camp to glean some information about their top candidate, Charles Tannock, we were told to call Brussels.

Unfortunately we were not able to do this but found some information about the man online.

Mr Tannock has been an MEP since 1999.

He speaks four foreign languages and is involved in a number of parliamentary groups working to support sufferers of chronic illnesses.

Mr Tannock is also on the EP Intergroup on Animal Welfare and Friends of Tibet and is founder and coordinator of the EP Friends of India.

The Liberal Democrats number one hope for a European Parliament seat for London is Sarah Ludford.

She is an active campaigner on the issue of crime and has marched against gun crime in London.

Sarah's work in the European Parliament was instrumental in introducing the European Arrest Warrant, making it easier to bring criminals to justice.

The London Liberal Democrat team are also campaigning against the proposed third runway at Heathrow.

Jean Lambert is the Green Party's top candidate for London and has been the city's Green MEP since 1999.

Jean is involved with a number of committees in the European Parliament and works on issues such as immigration, social inclusion, workers' rights and social security.

She is also Vice President of Parliamentary Intergroups including on Ageing, Anti-poverty and Anti-racism and Diversity.

And she is a member of the Intergroup on Disability and Gay and Lesbian rights.

The BNP number one candidate for London is Barking and Dagenham councillor Bob Bailey.

He wants to withdraw Britain from the EU and stop immigration.

Cllr Bailey says he lobbies for indigenous people and working class people who have been deserted by the Labour Party.

Cast your vote 7am - 10pm at your nearest polling station, call 0208 215 3000 or visit www.aboutmyvote.co.uk.