How are Norwich Market business owners voting and why?

But the feeling is the same among many business owners - the Conservatives can't count on their vote in the General Election. 

Several stall holders say their voting intentions have changed after the "toughest year ever" for small businesses, while others plan to spoil their ballots or won't be casting a vote at all.

Barclay Gray, who owns Lucy's Chips, said: "I normally vote for the Tories but they haven't delivered on anything for small businesses - or anything at all, really. 

"I almost feel sorry for them as they've had 14 years of hell, but they can't count on my vote this time and I'm not sure who can."

Barclay Gray, owner of Lucy's Chips (Image: Eleanor Storey)

The market is in the Norwich South constituency, which has been held by Labour's Clive Lewis since 2015. 

John Fama, who runs dessert stall And Eat It, said his vote would be going to Mr Lewis despite having voted Conservative in the past. 

He said: "I think small businesses are being hit hard financially and there's less assistance and less help for us. The Tories haven't addressed that.

"It has been our toughest year and everyone seems to be suffering."

John Fama, who runs And Eat It (Image: Eleanor Storey)

However, others have become equally disillusioned with the Labour Party. 

Hugo Malik, a former city councillor for Labour who owns Spanish street food restaurant Churros for the People, said: "I'll probably spoil my ballot in protest as I think Keir Starmer is a centrist stooge.

"I can't vote for the party even though I like Clive Lewis and think he's a great candidate. I've voted Labour all my life but I can't do it in good conscience this time."

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Hugo Malik, owner of Churros for the People (Image: Eleanor Storey)

Gary Butcher, who runs the Ice Cream Parlour, added: "I've always voted for Labour but this time I'm changing to Reform UK because Nigel Farage is the only one who talks any sense.

"I want to see a change and I'm quite willing to take that on the chin. This country is on a downward slide."

Ali Lakshmanasamy and Sophie Soeng, owners of the Orient Express, will be voting for Clive Lewis (Image: Eleanor Storey)

But Norwich South is a Labour stronghold and Sophie Soeng is one of thousands who voted in Mr Lewis at the last election and intend to do so again.

She said: "I'm voting for Labour and I always do. I hope they'll give all kids opportunities and not just the rich ones. The Conservatives don't care."

The candidates in Norwich South are Labour's Clive Lewis, the Green's Jamie Osborn, Sean Bennett for the Lib Dems, Graham Burton for Reform UK and the Conservative's David Thomas.

Party of Women candidate Linda Law and independent candidate Elizabeth Davey are also bidding for election.