The Green candidate Corinne Lindsey said she did not expect to win the seat but that her campaign had been very successful at raising the profile of her party.

'It is the first time we have stood. We have only been a party in the Newton Abbot constituency for 18 months, so whatever happens, we have done phenomenally.'

The NHS ward nurse said: 'I do not serious expect to become an MP. We know there is a much higher percentage of people concerned about Green issues than will be reflected in the vote. Our vote is being hit by the suggestion of tactical voting.'

The main local green issue raised on the doorstep is the Kingskerswell by-pass, she said.

'Whatever the main parties say there is a lot of opposition to that.'