Party leaders (and Dilyn the dog) head to the ballot box

VOTERS across the UK were today heading to the polls in the first major election since all pandemic restrictions were scrapped.

- Rachael Burford and David Bond

Boris Johnson was accompanied by his dog Dilyn as he cast his ballot at the Methodist Central Hall in Westminster at 7.40am.

After voting he walked towards St James' Park surrounded by staff and followed by black Range Rovers. One member of the public, confused by the commotion, asked reporters: “Is that Simon Cowell?"

Mr Johnson smiled and wished the crowd at the polling station a good morning, but was otherwise tightlipped about an election in which the Tories are predicted to lose seats following the partygate and porngate scandals, and the rising cost of living.

Sir Keir Starmer arrived at his polling station in Kentish Town at 9.30am. The Labour leader, who is also facing questions about an alleged breach of lockdown rules at an election campaign gathering in Durham last year, held hands with his wife Victoria as he walked into the polling station.