MORE big name politicans have descended on Eastleigh today as by-election fever continues to grip the town.

Former Liberal Democrat leader Lord Paddy Ashdown, Labour's shadow chancellor Ed Balls and shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper were in the railway town in a bid to boost the prospects of their candidates.

Lord Ashdown joined Lib Dem hopeful Mike Thornton for a walk about in Eastleigh town centre at lunch time while Ed Balls accompanied their candidate John O'Farrell during a visit to Hendy Motor Group on Leigh Road.

Yvette Cooper later helped unveil a new Labour poster for the by-election outside their Leigh Road campaign office.

Meanwhile Hampshire MEP Marta Andreasen joined the Conservative Party campaign in Eastleigh for the first time since joining the Party from UKIP.

The South East of England representative visited Botley with Tory by-election hopeful candidate Maria Hutchings.

More stories from the Eastleigh by-election