Eurosceptics triumphant
It's been a tremendous night for those who question the EU's direction and indeed its existence.
The UK Independence Party (UKIP) have done well, although not as well as my excited reporting of rumours last night suggested. But it's a tribute to Nigel Farage's leadership that the party has increased its number of seats - yet a couple of years ago it could have fallen apart. His opponents blame us in the media for giving him air time: however he's a very effective spokesman for a strong strand of public opinion.
It's an important result. As a whole it confirms the mood of the British electorate towards the EU. It is also significant in terms of its impact on the Conservatives. It is pretty clear if you compare the local elections with the Euros that the Conservatives lost votes to UKIP. They want those votes back in time for a general election. So if there was ever any argument for them soft-pedalling their hard line on the EU it's gone. Those who've argued for a range of policies, pulling out of the centre-right group, arguing for a referendum, for a new relationship with the EU, will have their hand strengthened.
The Conservatives are now going through the list of those elected to find potential partners for their new group alongside the Czechs and Poles. So will I, later in the day, but I have no real doubt they will get enough support to form one.
A significant Eurosceptic group on the mainstream right will stir things up in the European Parliament. They will be backed up in mischief and serious opposition by UKIP and other Eurosceptic groups who've joined the parliament. Then there's the harder right-wing parties who've been elected, and generally have little love for the EU.
The saddest moment of the night: Labour MEP Richard Corbett lost his seat. Irrespective of party politics there are some people who are good for politics as a whole. Mr Corbett, a decent, thoughtful politician, is also one of the few people who actually understand how the European Parliament works and explained it well. He'll be missed on all sides of the chamber.
I’m Mark Mardell, the ´óÏó´«Ã½'s North America editor. These are my reflections on American politics, some thoughts on being a Brit living in the USA, and who knows what else? My 
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