LEFT wing candidate Sean Brogan has conceded his share of the vote in the Newton Abbot contest is likely to be counted in tens rather than hundreds or thousands.

Standing for the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition, the former Labour activist said, as the clocks neared 2am and the Conservatives were forecast to increase their number of parliamentary seats by nine, he was 'realistic' about his chances.

Asked why the politics of the left had failed to ignite the public's interest he said: 'In order to do that you need leadership and unfortunately that has been lacking.'