"We're in a four party race now": University of Essex professor gives his lowdown on upcoming election

A lecturer in Government at the University of Essex has said this year's election is one of the toughest to call in a long time.

Professor Paul Whiteley says the increased prominence of the Liberal Democrat and Brexit Party mean an outcome is much harder to predict than in previous years, when the Labour Party and Conservatives have taken a large share of the vote.

Speaking to ITV Anglia, Prof Whiteley said each of the four parties have their own strengths and challenges as they enter the campaign period.

MPs voted for the election, which will take place on December 12, in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 29 October.

WATCH: Prof Whiteley's interview with ITV Anglia