AS Brexit discussions loom on, a European Parliament election becomes a more likely scenario.

And while it is the Boundary Commission’s job to count votes, and Central Government to fund the election process, it is the Local Authority’s responsibility to organise polling stations, book staff and run the hundreds of counts across the country.

Wiltshire Council will have responsibility for opening up 350 libraries, schools and village halls as polling stations on May 23 if the elections goes ahead.

The process will cost around £1m, however Central Government foots most of the bill.

Wiltshire is represented by six South West MEPs. Members from across several political parties have spoken publicly in response to the last few months of Brexit debate.

MEP Julie Girling confirmed she will not stand for re-election and said: “I think it is highly unlikely that we will leave before May 23.

“I would never say never for a people’s vote. One or two years ago people said it would never happen but now it seems more and more possible.

“I have seen no benefit at all from Brexit. We have all seen what happened at Honda. I find it disturbing.”

Wiltshire’s own MEP Julia Reid, from Chippenham, is a former UKIP member who is now part of the Brexit Party.

Ms Reid told BBC Radio Five Live programme: “It will be the opportunity to have another poll. It is the best option for a poll possible.”

The Green Party’s MEP Molly Scott-Cato has attended pro remain rallies in Devizes over the last few months to encourage a referendum or People’s Vote on Brexit. She said: “The Green Party welcomes these elections and we stand ready to contest them.”

In an open letter to the Government, MEP William Dartmouth criticised parts of the conservative party he feels has “wasted time” by trying to “frustrate” the result.

It is not yet known if MEP Clare Moody or MEP Ashley Fox plan to stand for re-election.

With 350 polling stations across Wiltshire and around 1000 people to organise on May 23, Carlton Brand has his work cut out. Dr Brand is the Election Returning Officer for Wiltshire Council, who will now work with a team of 10 on the European Election, regardless of whether or not it eventually goes ahead.

He said “It is hard to say but there could be more people who either do a protest vote or spoil their ballot paper. That might be people wanting to protest that the election should or shouldn’t be happening, whichever way you look at it. People may check and hear the news if the vote is cancelled but not everyone will. You might get a situation where people turn up on polling day still expecting to vote. That will increase the closer you get to that date. But in theory it could be pulled at any time. It will certainly be interesting.”