Pirate Party polls dismal election results

The Pirate Party has remained upbeat despite a poor electoral performance

The Pirate Party's first general election has ended in disappointment after the group received just 1,340 votes in total for its nine candidates.

Manchester Gorton candidate Tim Dobson performed best, winning 236 votes, while Jack Nunn, in Cities of Westminster and London, faired worst, achieving just 90 votes.

Additionally, no member managed a five per cent share of the vote, meaning that they all forfeited a £500 deposit.

The party remained upbeat despite the low figures, arguing that it had been "relatively successful in contesting its first election since being founded 10 months ago".

"This election campaign has taught us invaluable lessons, and the party believes that every volunteer can feel very proud of the work they have accomplished. Today was always going to be the start, rather than the end, of the battle," the party said in a statement.

"We now must retire, regroup and revise our campaigns, forge alliances, and act on lessons learned if we wish to accomplish even a tenth of what we are capable of."

The party also said that it intends to continue with its aims, claiming that the election had helped put the group on the political landscape.

"We have accomplished our main goal of increasing public awareness of the party, and have gained vital experience in running an election campaign. We can look towards the future, and establish ourselves as a party that is here to stay," it said.