The Liberal Democrats were “back in business” this morning as the party beat both the Tories and Labour for the first time in a century.

As the European election vote was polarised between Remain and Leave voters, the Lib Dems finished second behind the Brexit Party.

Sir Vince Cable’s party picked up swathes of votes from disaffected Labour supporters, with a 13.5 per cent vote swing from Labour to the Lib Dems in the early results.

Tory Remainers - including Lord Heseltine - also registered a protest vote by backing the Lib Dems as the Party’s clear message in favour of staying in the European Union proved its greatest strength.

It comes after the Lib Dems gained more than 700 councillors and 10 local authorities in the local elections earlier this month.

Sir Ed Davey, the Lib Dems’ home affairs spokesman, said: “If you add up all the votes of the Remain parties, there is a strong message.

“The Lib Dems are leading that Remain vote and have an awful lot to be pleased about.

“We have to ensure that a no deal doesn't happen and that the people have the final say on Brexit.