Election photograph in Lowestoft is shortlisted for national award

Julian Claxton (Image: Archant)

And this photo of UK Independence Party (UKIP) candidate Simon Tobin has now been shortlisted for a national award.

Julian Claxton took the image during a 24-hour photo documentary on polling day in last year's general election.

Provided with complete behind the scenes access, Mr Claxton shot a compelling series of images as Mr Tobin campaign to unseat Waveney MP Peter Aldous entered its final hours.

Mr Tobin was sitting alone in the UKIP offices, just hours before the polling stations closed.

Mr Claxton said: 'The image demonstrates the gritty and very much hands on efforts of local politicians and their volunteers.

'I had been talking to some of the volunteers in their offices and walked past the doorway to see Simon sitting amongst the empty chairs – I simply loved the composition of the door frame and the uneven signage.'

Mr Tobin, who will do it all again in a few weeks time when he stands as UKIP's candidate for Suffolk police and crime commissioner, said: 'It was about five hours before the count and I guess I was just contemplating what was ahead.

'Having campaigned non-stop for eight months, I was thinking that the next five hours would be critical.

'I was just reflecting to myself – to make sure everything had been done as best we could.

'When I saw the picture, it brought to mind the total commitment that me and my team had during the campaign.

'I am delighted that Julian thought this was an interesting dimension of the campaign to photograph.'

The image has been shortlisted in the 2016 Event Photography Awards.

It is the second time that Mr Claxton has been recognised in the last six months after he picked up the 2015 Travel Media Award for his emotive image of Ugandan school children during morning chapel.

The awards ceremony is held at the end of the month.

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