Vote-count due to begin in Henley

John Howell (Con), Richard McKenzie (Lab) and Stephen Kearney (Lib Dem) are all hoping to become Henley's MP

The polls have closed in Henley, where a by-election has been held to replace Conservative MP Boris Johnson.

Mr Johnson had a majority of 12,793 in 2005, with the Lib Dems in second and Labour third. Counting begins shortly with the result due in the early hours.

Tory leader David Cameron will be hoping to build on recent election successes, while Gordon Brown will look to end a poor run of poll performances.

Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg hopes to show his party can gain ground from both.

Mr Johnson decided earlier this month to step down after seven years representing the Oxfordshire constituency in the House of Commons.

He is focusing instead on his new role as mayor of London, having defeated Labour incumbent Ken Livingstone in a vote on 1 May.

Twelve candidates were standing in all.

Here is the full list of candidates:

• Chris Adams, UK Independence Party
• Derek Allpass, English Democrats
• Harry Bear, The Fur Play Party
• Louise Cole - Independent (Miss Great Britain Party)
• Amanda Harrington - Independent (Miss Great Britain Party)
• John Howell - Conservatives
• Stephen Kearney - Liberal Democrats
• Richard McKenzie - Labour
• Bananaman Owen - Monster Raving Loony Party
• Timothy Rait - British National Party
• Dick Rodgers - The Common Good
• Mark Stevenson - Greens