Voters in Shropshire were going to the polls today in European elections which could hasten Gordon Brown’s departure from Number 10.

The Prime Minister is braced for disastrous results nationally in the council elections, which are not taking place in Telford, after recent opinion polls suggesting support for Labour is at record low levels.

With Mr Brown already under intense pressure after a string of resignations from his Government, poor election results will embolden rebels agitating for his exit.

A total of 70 polling stations were open across Telford today and will remain open for people to cast their European votes until 10pm.

A YouGov survey for the Daily Telegraph suggested that, in elections to the European Parliament, Labour could finish behind the anti-EU UK Independence Party (Ukip).

Results will not be in until Sunday night. Meanwhile, across the rest of the county, elections were being held for the new 74-seat unitary Shropshire Council, Shrewsbury Town Council and European Parliament.

Nigel Newman, spokesman for Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “We’ve already received more than 20,000 postal votes and throughout today we expect to have many more people coming into the borough’s 70 polling stations which are open until 10pm tonight.

“We would urge anyone who has not yet voted to do so because what happens in Europe affects our lives in Telford & Wrekin more than we often realise – that’s why it’s so important that people make their voice heard.”

For full election coverage see today’s Shropshire Star