The West Midlands is to benefit from better representation in the European Parliament after it was chosen to receive Britain’s extra MEP.
Voters will send seven representatives to the European Parliament in Brussels and Strasbourg at the next European election, rather than the six that the region has at present.
In the last European elections, in 2009, it would have meant the Conservatives won an extra seat.
The number of MEPs representing the UK is to increase from 72 to 73, under the controversial Lisbon Treaty.
The Electoral Commission – the independent elections watchdog - has recommended that the extra seat will go to the West Midlands.
There are currently two Conservatives, two UKIP MEPs, one Labour MEP and one Liberal Democrat.
