UK General Election 2015

08 May 2015

PM Cameron said that he would keep George Osborne as Chancellor of the Exchequer, the top finance minister, in his new government.

Osborne served as Cameron's chancellor throughout his first five-year term, overseeing the recovery of the country's economy after the financial crisis.

Philip Hammond will be reappointed Foreign Secretary, David Cameron announced after winning the country's general election.

Defense Secretary Michael Fallon will keep his position in the new UK cabinet, re-elected PM David Cameron announced.

The UK’s re-elected prime minister, David Cameron, has reappointed Theresa May as Home Secretary.

May has held the position since 2010, in Cameron’s previous cabinet.

The final results of the Britain's national election have been released by the UK's Electoral Commission:

In order to give the election results a more homely touch, Twitter user Tom Katsumi was “live-stitching” the UK vote with needlepoint.

Almost caught up! #UK2015GeneralElectionResultsLiveStitchpic.twitter.com/ZYjdDbpoZl

— Tom Katsumi (@tomkatsumi) May 8, 2015

European Council President Donald Tusk expressed hope that Britain will remain an EU member under re-elected UK Prime Minister David Cameron.

Britain played a key role in ensuring that Europe had a “common sense agenda,” emphasizing the need for a competitive economy, an effective single market and free trade, Tusk said in a statement.

"I count on the new British government making the case for the UK's continued membership of the European Union. In that I stand ready to help," he stressed.

"I am deeply convinced that there is no better life outside the European Union, for any country. A better EU is in the interest not only of Britain, but of every member state," Tusk added.

According to George Eaton, Political Editor of the New Statesman, Cameron's victory is historic.

Cameron is the first PM since 1900 to have been in power for more than 18 months and to have increased his party's vote share.

— George Eaton (@georgeeaton) May 8, 2015

Labour MP Tom Watson, who was a Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office from 2008 to 2009, has said he will consider standing for deputy leader of the Labour Party after current incumbent Harriet Harman stands down.

Former Labour leader Ed Miliband, who resigned this morning after his party suffered a humiliating defeat in the general election, has tweeted that it has been an "utmost privilege" to serve as party chief.

It has been the utmost privilege to serve the Labour Party as leader. This is the resignation speech I just gave: https://t.co/UtpI9rwQHz

— Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) May 8, 2015

In a resounding endorsement for RT's #PeopleNOTPolls hashtag, Britain's pollsters have come under fire for publishing what proved to be staggeringly inaccurate predictions of the 2015 election results.

Twitter users are weighing in on a discussion over the reliability of opinion polls which is likely to continue until the UK's next significant election.

@toadmeister pollsters drastically wrong in three of the last 6 elections. They need a long hard look at themselves

— paul cocks (@paulcocks96) May 8, 2015

British voters lied to pollsters. It is the voters who have lost credibility.

— Abimbola (@AbimbolaRA) May 8, 2015

With the large UK polling/exit polling miss, have we reached the point where the Left has intimidated ppl enough that they lie to pollsters

— Ross (@indyrallen) May 8, 2015

This is why conservatives lie to pollsters. https://t.co/dF3g60TjWm

— Popehat (@Popehat) May 8, 2015

In closing his speech, Cameron said: "Together we can make Great Britain greater still."

"In this Parliament I will stay true to my word and implement as fast as I can the devolution that all parties agreed for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland," Cameron said.

"With our plans, the governments of these nations will become more powerful with wider responsibilities."

"No constitutional settlement would be complete if it did not also offer fairness to England."

"The government I led did important work, it laid the foundations for a better future and now we must build on it," Cameron said.

"Our manifesto is a manifesto for working people, and as a majority government we will be able to deliver all of it. Indeed it is reason why I think a majority government is more accountable."

The Prime Minister also promised to deliver an "in/out referendum on Europe."

Speaking outside Downing Street, the recently re-elected Prime Minister David Cameron said:

"I have just been to see Her Majesty the Queen and I will now form a Conservative government."

Prime Minister David Cameron has left Buckingham Palace and is returning to Downing Street after a 25 minute audience the Queen, during which he would have asked for permission to form a new government.

Mhairi Black, 20, is Britain's youngest elected lawmaker in centuries. The SNP candidate and student defeated Shadow Foreign Secretary and Labour MP Douglas Alexander with 23,000 votes.

MP Mhairi Black SNP for Paisley & Renfrewshire South acceptance speech http://t.co/FcEXWAu9VN

— Mhairi Black (@mhairi1921) May 8, 2015

The Conservative Party have secured 326 seats in the House of Commons, meaning they have an effective majority.

While seven seats have yet to be declared, here are the latest election results for the Conservatives (Con), Labour (Lab), Liberal Democrats (Lib Dem), Scottish National Party (SNP), Green Party, UK Independence Party (UKIP), Plaid Cymru, Social Democratic & Labour Party (SDLP), and Democratic Unionist Party (DUP):

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has touched down in London after securing a historic victory for the Scottish National Party (SNP).

Sturgeon will be attending commemoration events for the 70th Victory in Europe Day, marking the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Twitter users react to Ed Miliband's resignation as leader of the Labour Party.

Clegg. Farage. Miliband... Imagine the carnage if football managers were honest enough to quit when stuff went bad!!!

— Danny Kelly (@dannykellywords) May 8, 2015

@Ed_Miliband your union puppet masters choose the wrong brother now the chickens have come home to roost goodbye and also @edballsmp :-)

— alpha2p@ymail.com (@Alpha2pP) May 8, 2015

Ed Miliband is a great man, but unfortunately not the right man

— Joshua Amos (@jamos92) May 8, 2015

Ed miliband is so cute :( im so sad for him :(

— eggan (@_mgan_) May 8, 2015

The Queen will meet Cameron in a room where she regularly meets Britain's prime ministers.

Queen Elizabeth II meets every standing prime minister on a weekly basis.

Prime Minister David Cameron has arrived at Buckingham Palace, where he will he ask the Queen for permission to form a new government.

Prime Minister David Cameron has left Downing Street to meet the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

#Cameron gives a smile before heading off to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen pic.twitter.com/2iNF570jY9

— Gabriella Swerling (@GabriellaSwerl) May 8, 2015

In a nod to the "unlikely cult" former Labour leader Ed Miliband referred to, RT has picked a tweet honoring 'Milifandom.'

Ed Miliband standing in front of a light pic.twitter.com/sxtiFn6V79

— #Milifandom (@OddMiliband) April 29, 2015

In a stirring address to Labour supporters, he said:

"The cause of progress and social progress is never simple and straight forward. Change happens because people do not give up... In a couple of hours I will no longer be leading this party, but for me this has never been the only way to achieve change.

"I will never give up on fighting for the Britain that I believe in, that faith will always be my faith, that fight will always be my fight, that cause will always be cause."

Miliband thanks supporters for the "selfies" and "the most unlikely cult of the 21st century: Milifandom."

Miliband was greeted with applause when he told supporters "the fight will go on".

Addressing Labour, he said: "Thank you to you, thank you for the privilege... I am truly sorry I did not succeed."

"We've come back before and this party will come back again."

Harriett Harman will take over as Labour chief until a new leader is elected, Miliband says.

Ed Miliband has announced his decision to resign as leader of the Labour party following a crushing defeat in the general election.

"I'm tendering my resignation taking after this afternoon's commeration of VE Day at the Cenotaph," he said.

Miliband has thanked the team at the Labour party for their support during the election campaign.

He also expressed his gratitude to activists throughout the country.

Ed Miliband addresses supporters to great applause.

"This is not the speech I wanted to give today," he told supporters.

"I take absolute and total responsible for the result and our defeat at this election. I'm so sorry to all of our colleagues who lost their seats."

Twitter users respond to one of Britain's most surprising election results in Parliamentary history.

So disappointed that negativity, fear mongering and brutal personal attacks seem to have proved so popular and successful in England #GE2015

— Ben Lacey (@BenLacey3) May 8, 2015

Majorly sulking here. So the country is still being run by tinned ham; maybe it will give other parties a kick up the arse #GeneralElection

— Emily Dewsnap (@EmyLaRoux) May 8, 2015

A lot of big names falling out of favour last night. The political equivalent of the @MumfordAndSons banjo if you will. #GeneralElection

— Oz Wills (@OzWills) May 8, 2015

To recap on the latest developments, Nick Clegg and Nigel Farage have resigned as party leaders of the Liberal Democrats and UK Independence Party (UKIP).

Labour leader Ed Miliband is expected to announce his own resignation imminently.

Twitter users reflect on former Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg's resignation and legacy in government.

My daughter a first time voter, says her generation will never forgive Nick Clegg and Lib Dems. Ever. That's a powerful group to alienate

— Sally Brampton (@SallyBrampton) May 8, 2015

Sad to hear that Nick Clegg has resigned but so has Nigel Farage ... so at least a negative is met with an immeasurable positive! #GE2015

— Lucy J Barclay (@LucyJBarclay) May 8, 2015

Sad thing is Nick Clegg had so much potential before the coalition :(

— Harry (@huzzzuh) May 8, 2015

@nick_clegg played with fire- and got burned. And his legacy? A great tale to tell children about the danger of playing with matches.

— Matty J. Oyston (@MJamesOyston) May 8, 2015

The Royal Standard flag has been raised above Buckingham Palace, signalling the Queen is now in residence and is preparing to meet Prime Minister David Cameron at 12.30pm (BST).

Cameron will seek the Queen's permission to form a new government after a victory for the Conservative Party in the general election.

David Cameron shortly to meet his 5th cousin, twice removed, at Buckingham Palace. #ukelection2015

— SageDonkey (@sagedonkey) May 8, 2015

Speaking to assembled press, Deputy Prime Minister Clegg said it was "heartbreaking" to see his Lib Dem colleagues "abruptly lose their seats because of forces entirely beyond their control."

Defending his party's record in the coalition government, he said: "We will never know how many lives we changed for the better because we had the courage to step up at a time of crisis... I believe the history books will judge our party kindly for the service we sought to provide for the nation at a time of great difficulty."

On a personal note, he said he was honoured to have served his country. Clegg said it was too early to give a full account of why the Lib Dems failed sospectacularly in this election.

In a stark warning over Britain's future, he said: "Liberalism is not fairing well against the politics of fear."

"It's no exaggeration to say, that in the absence of strong and statesmanship leadership, Britain's place in the world... is now in grave jeopardy."

"Fear and grievance have won, liberalism has lost. But it is more precious than ever, and we must keeping fighting for it," he added.

Clegg described the election results as "the most crushing blow to the Liberal Democrats since our party was founded."

"This is a very dark hour for our party, but we cannot and will not allow decent Liberal values to be extinguished overnight. Our party will come back, our party will win again."

Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg is standing down after a crushing defeat in the UK general election.

"I must take responsiblity and therefore I announce I will be resigning as leader of the Liberal Democrats."

UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage has announced his decision to stand after failing to win the seat of South Thanet.

Farage blamed UKIP's performance in the polls on voter fears over a potential SNP-Labour coalition fears.

He said the new UKIP voter is predominantly working class, younger and increasingly female. Farage also issued calls for electoral reform.

"Personally, I think the first pass the post system is brankrupt... electoral reform wouldn't just make our politics fairer, it would make open, more honest and we'd some real, real debate."

Announcing his decision to resign as UKIP leader he said: "I said if I didn't win I would stand down as leader of UKIP... I'm a man of my word, I don't break my word."

"As far as I'm concerned personally, yes it's a bit disappointing... I feel a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders... I intend to take the summer off, enjoy myself a bit... I will consider whether to put my name forward [for the UKIP leadership content in the Autumn]."

"I think those 4 million people out there are pretty loyal.... They're voting for us because they believe in us. I think the next chapter of UKIP has begun."

Conservative Craig Mackinlay, who won the seat, credited Farage's campaign as being "vigorous."

Speaking at his constituency of East Renfrewshire, Scottish Labour leader Jim Muprhy has blamed the rise of Scottish nationalism and English nationalism for Labour's poor performance in the election.

Referring to Labour's victorious rivals, the Scottish National Party (SNP), Murphy said: "We have been beaten by a party who claimed our heritage, clothed themselves in our values."

A buoyant Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweets to say she is heading to London to represent Scotland in Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) ceremonies.

Heading to London to represent @scotgov at #VEDay70. An occasion to put politics aside & remember those who died for our freedom & democracy

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) May 8, 2015

A record number of female MPs have been elected in Britain's 2015 general election.

Some 182 women will begin sitting in Parliament, a huge increase on 48 women who were elected in 2010. Although some seats have yet to be declared, around 30 percent of Parliament's MPs will be female.

The Conservative Party have won their 323rd seat, meaning they are just three seats off an overall majority in Parliament.

Despite favourable opinion poll predictions Labour has won just 228 seats, while the Scottish National Party (SNP) has surged to victory in Scotland with 56 seats.

Labour leader Ed Miliband has begun tweeting for the first time in five hours following a devastating defeat for his party.

I’ve just thanked Labour’s staff. They are a credit to our party, and, driven by a passion to serve, they are a credit to our country.

— Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) May 8, 2015

I’ve just thanked Labour’s staff. They are a credit to our party, and, driven by a passion to serve, they are a credit to our country.

— Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) May 8, 2015

Defeats are hard, but we’re a party that will never stop fighting for the working people of this country.

— Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) May 8, 2015

As the final results come through, pundits await the possible resignations of party leaders Ed Miliband (Labour), Nick Clegg (Liberal Democrats) and Nigel Farage (UKIP).

Speaking to constituents in South Thanet, UKIP leader Nigel Farage said: "I do congratulate the Prime Minister, he has a secured a Tory majority, something nobody thought was possible.

"The time has come for real, genuine, radical reform and it's UKIP that will be the party that leads it.

"On a professional level I express a degree of disappointment, on a personal level I feel an enormous weight has been lifted from my shoulders and I have never felt happier."

UK Independence Party (UKIP) leader Nigel Farage has failed to win South Thanet constituency after pledging to resign in the event he did not secure the Kent seat.

UKIP came second place with 16,026 votes to the Tory's 18,939.

Ed Miliband has told staffers at Labour headquarters to "stay united" and "focused", adding the UK "desperately" needs the party, according to sources.

Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy has arrived at a press conference at party headquarters.

Pundits expect Murphy to resign after failing to losing his targeted seat of East Renfrewshire to the Scottish National Party (SNP) and following a crushing defeat for Labour throughout Scotland.

A Conservative victory raises fresh doubts over the UK's future in the European Union.

EU referendum looms after UK vote - #QuickTake explains how we got here #Brexit#GE2015http://t.co/a3nVkFA3pmpic.twitter.com/E2FGxFcoU9

— Leah Harrison Singer (@lh_singer) May 8, 2015

Meanwhile Der Spiegel has described the election results as "bad news for Europe."

"[The result] means that Cameron, the weak, will be even more susceptible to blackmail from within his own party than he has been in the last five years.

"His Eurosceptic squallers in the backbenches, who for years have set the tone in the EU debate, will be even more powerful."

French newspaper Le Monde have led with the front page headline "Worry in Europe."

Twitter user JP Rangaswami reflects on the what the election outcome means for Britain's political geography.

What the UK political map is morphing into pic.twitter.com/EwsC9nLM5q

— JP Rangaswami (@jobsworth) May 8, 2015

Only 15 seats left to be declared, including South Thanet where UK Independence Party (UKIP) leader Nigel Farage has pinned his hopes of becoming MP.

Twitter users react to the election results with typical wry humor.

I don't like it but feels like this photo sums up today's #GE2015 results. #MyDogLincoln playing the role of Labour pic.twitter.com/5FPCZBgO0D

— Shivangee Patel (@SHIV_angee) May 8, 2015

Russell Brand will resign from his role as Russell Brand at noon. #GE02015

— Karl Sharro (@KarlreMarks) May 8, 2015

"People like lager and nuts." "People like Coldplay and voted for the Nazis. You can't trust people Jeremy." pic.twitter.com/1cTfboQXpr

— Peep Show Quotes (@PeepShowQOTD) January 12, 2014

at least the smiths will be current again with us going back to the 80s and all #GE02015

— josh (@m4chinegun_) May 8, 2015

I'm not getting out of bed. Maybe for the next 5 years. #GE02015

— Sarah Crook (@SarahRoseCrook) May 8, 2015

Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood has said she remains positive, despite failing to gain any new Welsh seats in the general election.

She said: "We were predicted to lose two out of our three seats at the beginning of this campaign, and we’ve increased our majority in those two."

"What is concerning is that we now have a Conservative government to rule over Wales without a mandate."

Shares of Foxtons estate agent have jumped following news of a Labour defeat.

Foxtons soaring as rent controls and the mansion tax are no more pic.twitter.com/p8LNcdfoTE@thoughtlandpic.twitter.com/OigFOaJ0Te

— Scottish Friction (@ScotsFriction) May 8, 2015

Ed Miliband was applauded by supporters as he arrived at the Labour Party Headquarters following a devastating defeat for his party. The Labour leader is expected to resign later today.

The final results from Wales have been announced and Labour remains the biggest party in the nation. Plaid Cymru failed to take advantage of its increased exposure as a result of the leaders' debates, maintaining its three seats from the last election.

Labour: 25

Con: 11

Plaid Cymru: 3

Lib Dems: 1

Former Deputy Chairman of the Conservatives and pollster Lord Ashcroft calls for electoral reform as he shares his thoughts on the election on Twitter.

Ok let's now get on immediately with constituency boundary changes and reducing MPs from 650 to 600.

— Lord Ashcroft (@LordAshcroft) May 8, 2015

...and let's get rid of the 5 year fixed Parliament nonsense which was a pander to the LibDems...

— Lord Ashcroft (@LordAshcroft) May 8, 2015

...and furthermore let's set up a Royal Commission or similar to review the voting system. First Past the Post has had its day...

— Lord Ashcroft (@LordAshcroft) May 8, 2015

Labour leader Ed Miliband is to resign following a crushing defeat for his party in the election, according to reports. He is expected to announce his resignation shortly.

Twitter users share their thoughts on reform of the first-past-the-post electoral system, after this Parliament looks set to become the least proportionally representative in recent years.

Looking at the difference between vote share and number of seats, we need proportional representation. Even if it does mean more UKIP seats.

— Jami Welch (@_seams) May 8, 2015

Proportional representation in UK politics is a joke. How can UKIP have 12.5% of the vote and get 1 seat whereas SNP get 5% and get 56 seats

— Lewis Brown (@LewisBrown97) May 8, 2015

I am left wondering what proportional representation would have done to the result? I fear it would be equally depressing. #GE2015

— Rachel Hartland (@ramtopsrac) May 8, 2015

I never thought I'd say it, but right now, I can only thank God that we do not have proportional representation.

— Lola okolosie (@LolaOkolosie) May 8, 2015

Popular vote versus number of seats won latest breakdown:

David Cameron's Conservative party need 15 more seats to gain an overall majority in the Commons.

If Cameron is successful, he will be able to lead a Tory government without the need of support from other parties in Parliament.

Boris Johnson announces his victory flanked by some of the election's more colorful candidates.

Boris Johnson, el alcalde «tory» de Londres que entra en los Comunes http://t.co/ERxeEUg3Ny#GE2015pic.twitter.com/vfxXtdbOSi abc_es

— Google News Spain (@googlenewsspain) May 8, 2015

Only around 20 seats left to call in Britain's most surprising election since Labour lost to the Conservatives in 1992.

The final result of the final constituency election is expected to be declared at 4pm this afternoon.

David Cameron's victory speech to the Conservative Campaign Headquarters this morning.

Exclusive: David Cameron's victory speech to CCHQ staffers this morning #ge2015#conservativehttps://t.co/nKtdhBVxr7

— Sebastian Payne (@SebastianEPayne) May 8, 2015

Prime Minister David Cameron is due to meet the Queen at 12.30 BST (11.30 GMT), according to a Conservative spokesperson.

As per the UK's constitution, Cameron will ask the Queen for permission to form a new government.

Britain's markets have reacted positively to news the Conservatives look set to win a narrow majority in Parliament.

The FTSE 100 rallied strongly after opening this morning, while the pound made its biggest jump since 2009.

If the FTSE could vote. This morning's leap out of the traps says it all. pic.twitter.com/Vg13DmYOwx

— Al Rush (@RAF_IFA) May 8, 2015

Speaking to his constituency, Balls said: "Any personal disappointment I have at this result is as nothing compared to the sense of sorrow I have at the result Labour has achieved across the UK, in Scotland also in England and in Wales. And the sense of concern I have about the future.

"We will now face a five years where questions will arise about the future of our union, about whether or not we can stay as a member of the EU and fight for jobs and investment, whether we can make sure and secure our NHS at a time of public spending and cuts.

"Even on this difficult night I am sure the Labour party will emerge... more united and more determined, and in the next few years I think even more than ever we will need a Labour party absolutely determined to stand up for working people in this constituency and across the country," he added.

In one of the biggest shocks of the election, Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls and leadership contender for the Labour Party has lost his seat in Morley and Outwood.

Balls gained 18,354 votes while the Conservative candidate Andrea Jenkyns won 18, 776 votes.

Freshly re-elected Green MP Caroline Lucas has told the BBC: "The results nationally show the politics of fear have sadly outweighed the politics of hope... They now have another five years to inflict austerity and cuts on a nation which frankly I think can't afford it."

"I will work anybody who wants to oppose austerity," she said, remarking on the rise of the SNP in Parliament.

"Over a million people voted Green up and down the country... and yet in spite of the those million votes we have just one seat... We need even more of a grassroots movement calling for reform to our decrepit voting system."

Stay tuned for the results from Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls' seat of Morley and Outwood, which are due in 10 minutes. A recount had been ordered in the constituency where Balls won a majority of 1,101 in the 2010 election.

Conservatives are predicted to gain 326 seats, leaving the party with a very narrow (2 seats) overall majority in the Commons.

Twitter users are sharing their thoughts on the future of the Labour Party, which has suffered a crushing defeat not predicted in opinion polls.

The Labour Party have five years to move on from this sorry mess and get the RIGHT Milliband brother in charge #GeneralElection

— Andy C (@AndyCotterill2) May 8, 2015

Scotland proving that a real left wing party that wants to remove trident and end austerity is appealing it's a lesson Labour must learn

— ian rodgers (@buckrodgersposh) May 8, 2015

The British Labour Party is witnessing the end of a generation who emerged under Blair / Brown. Will be interesting to see who leads next.

— Keir Simmons (@KeirSimmons) May 8, 2015

Labour lost because of its overwhelmingly right wing campaign. It was desroyed in Scotland by a party speaking to its left.

— charlie kimber (@charlieswp) May 8, 2015

Miliband did better than expected while leading the Labour party over a cliff, there's no alternative to a leadership change. None. #ge2015

— Anthony Zacharzewski (@anthonyzach) May 8, 2015

Labour blaming nationalism on their demise, people would have voted in thier millions for a real Labour party though, see ya later..

— Liam Binnie (@liambinnie) May 8, 2015

So Ed Miliband has taken Labour backwards.I think deep down the party members knew the trade unions ruined there chances electing Ed in 2010

— Chris Hanrahan (@CHanrahan1982) May 8, 2015

I have been a lifelong Labour voter. I am not in the least surprised by result. People vote for party leader. People do not like Miliband.

— Ruth Shearn (@RuthShearn) May 8, 2015

Reading East has been returned to the Conservatives with an increased share of the vote. Rob Wilson gained 45.98 percent of the vote, a 3 percent increase on the 2010 election.

The results from Brighton Pavilion have come through: Green MP Caroline Lucas has held her seat and increased her share, winning 22,871 votes (an 11 percent gain). She won the seat in 2010 with 16,238 votes to Labour's 14,986.

Lucas is the only Green MP to win a seat in the Commons.

The final result from Scotland has come through: The Scottish National Party (SNP) has gained a truly amazing 50 seats in the election, meaning they will see 56 SNP MPs sitting in the Commons when Parliament returns.

Nicola Sturgeon has said: "The people of Scotland have chosen to make their voice heard... Our job is to stand up to the Tories."

Conservative gains continue apace, as the party claims victory over the Liberal Democrats in Taunton Deane.

Meanwhile Labour has seen two gains from the Tories of its own in last few minutes. Paula Sherriff has taken Dewsbury and Chris Matheson has taken Chester. Matheson won the former Tory seat with an extremely narrow majority of just 93 votes.

Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne has been returned to his seat of Tatton in Cheshire with 26,522 votes (58.6 percent).

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg, who has overseen a massive defeat for his party in the election, has said: "It is now painfully clear this has been a cruel and punishing night for the Liberal Democrats."

Clegg returned to his seat of Sheffield, Hallam with 40 percent a vote, a narrow victory over the Tory's 36 percent.

Twitter user Terry Smith reflects on how Proportional Representation (PR) would change the election result for the UK Independence Party (UKIP).

Proportional representation would get #UKIP 71 seats

— Terry Smith (@Prognosticus) May 8, 2015

Liberal Democrat MP Nick Harvey has lost his seat of North Devon to the Conservative Party. Tory Peter Heaton-Jones has won the seat with 43 percent of the vote to Harvey's 29 percent share.

UKIP's Mark Reckless has lost his seat of Rochester and Strood to the Conservative Party. Reckless sparked a by-election last year when he defected to the Tories, winning by 42.1 percent against a Conservative 34.8 percent at the time.

Prime Minister David Cameron has tweeted a photo of him celebrating his narrow victory over Labour.

Here's to a brighter future for everyone. pic.twitter.com/EeN0YFAvBm

— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) May 8, 2015

According to the BBC, the popular vote is divided among the parties as follows:

Conservative: 34 percent
Labour: 32.2 percent
UK Independence Party: 12.1 percent
Liberal Democrats: 7.6 percent
Scottish National Party: 6.1 percent
Green: 3.5 percent

Home Secretary Theresa May holds her seat in the Berkshire constituency of Maidenhead. May won with 35,453 votes, a 66 percent share of all votes cast.

Tory education secretary holds her seat with an increased majority of 9,000.

The BBC helicopter is now following David Cameron back to London, where he is predicted to arrive in Westminster as Prime Minister

All Liberal Democrat cabinet ministers, except party leader Nick Clegg, have lost their seats.

The New Statesman have published a revised prediction which sees the Tories within an inch of gaining a majority in Westminster.

New exit poll projection Con—325 Lab—232 SNP—56 LDem—12 (on 6 now)

— May2015 Election (@May2015NS) May 8, 2015

And another massive loss for the LibDems. Danny Alexander has lost his seat in Inverness to the SNP. David Laws has also lost his LibDem seat in Yeovil.

David Cameron sails to victory with a majority of 25,000 in Witney, where he has been MP since 2001. However, his count is filled with various activists, including numerous 'fake sheiks', who did not appear pleased with his re-election.

In his speech Cameron said this had been a "very strong night" for his party.

"A positive response to a positive campaign" claims Cameron.

— Harry Cole (@MrHarryCole) May 8, 2015

We're well over half way through the results and the gap between Labour and the Conservatives is narrowing:

Lab - 168

Con - 155

SNP - 53

LD - 6

UKIP - 1

Other - 21

The LibDems lose another key seat in Birmingham Yardley to Labour. John Hemming was defeated by Jess Phillips with a majority of 6,995.

Ed Miliband eases home with a majority of nearly 18,000 in Doncaster North. UKIP beat the Tories to second place in the constituency.

Miliband says he is "deeply sorry" the results have not been in Labour's favour and appeared to imply that he would not attempt to form a government after the full results are revealed.

Didn't sound as though Miliband holding on to much hope he will be in the next government

— Isabel Hardman (@IsabelHardman) May 8, 2015

Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper holds her seat in Pontefract, Yorkshire.

Former LibDem Leader Charles Kennedy loses his seat.

Press Association have reported that the average voter turnout is 65.3 percent - very little change on the 2010 figures.

Liam Byrne holds Birmingham Hodge Hill. This will boost Labour's waning confidence.

The Guardian have obtained an email sent by Paddy Ashdown to LibDem members:

"Last night was a bitter night for Liberal Democrats. Perhaps most bitter of all, the results do not do justice to your hard work, dedication or passion.

You have fought the campaign of your lives, and I am incredibly proud of you.

Let us remember what we fought for - liberal values, offering a vibrant, positive, and hopeful alternative for our country.

The forces of decency, moderation, unity, respect for others and progressive politics are weaker this morning. But they are not lost, and they must not be lost.

However painful this defeat, our fight for all this party stands for must continue."

Holborn and St Pancras: Leader of the Greens Natalie Bennett fails to win her seat. The seat is a landslide Labour victory with a majority of 17,000. Bennett, however, scored a respectable 7,000, nearly twice the LibDems.

This i's 5am print edition has a bleak forecast.

Cameron to rule divided kingdom, Miliband on brink - i 5am edition pic.twitter.com/6DhqEATR5B

— Oly Duff (@olyduff) May 8, 2015

This a worrying, but not entirely outrageous, possibility.

Is it possible that by the end ot the day leaders of UKIP, Liberal Democrats and Labour may have quit? Extraordinary night. #r4today

— Jamie Angus (@grvlx001) May 8, 2015

Boris Johnson has told the BBC that federalism must be an option given the SNP landslide in Scotland.

Boris says there 'has to be some sort of federal offer' to Scotland

— Laura Kuenssberg (@bbclaurak) May 8, 2015

Nick Clegg holds on to his Sheffield seat by the skin of his teeth and a majority of less than 3,000.

Clegg said this evening's result had been a "cruel and painful" night for his party. He added that he would be speaking to the rest of the party later today, placing subtle hints that he may resign.

The LibDems have also lost a stronghold in Eastleigh.

The outgoing Mike Thornton said it was going to be “very difficult” for Nick Clegg. “We’re getting punished by people who used to vote for us for taking a responsible decision five years ago, which was country before party.”

“I’ll be looking for a job. If you know anyone who wants to take on an ex-MP with a knowledge of Westminster and a way with words, I’d be very happy to know about it.”

Following the senior LibDem cull, this isn't a bad suggestion...

There are going to be a heck of a lot of peerages handed out after this massacre of the grandees

— Tim Shipman (@ShippersUnbound) May 8, 2015

Currently eagerly awaiting declarations from Clegg, Miliband and Cameron's constituencies.

As we approach the half way point, here is the breakdown of seats:

Lab - 130

Con - 104

SNP - 48

LD - 5

UKIP - 1

Others - 16

Conservatives steal Twickenham from the Liberal Democrats and oust Vince Cable, the Business Secretary, from the Constituency.

This is a huge blow for the party, and Cable is the latest in a line of senior LibDems to lose their seats.

Tania Mathias says Cable has performed an "amazing feat of public service" for representing Twickenham for 18 years.

Questions are being raised in Mirror HQ about how the anti-Boris vote was split between 2 joke parties.

Can’t believe the Monster Raving Loony Party and the Eccentric Party split the anti-Boris vote. What were they thinking? #GE2015

— Martin Belam (@MartinBelam) May 8, 2015

Conservatives hold Uxbridge, and London Mayor Boris Johnson is elected as MP with a majority of nearly 11,000

Following Carswell's success, however, the Conservatives have held Thurrock, a main target seat for UKIP.

The numbers of deposits the LibDems have lost is truly staggering.

Update: http://t.co/SeyNfJcdecpic.twitter.com/tXqIatHp0p

— Tom Chivers (@TomChivers) May 8, 2015

Douglas Carswell is the first UKIP MP to be elected at a General Election for the Clacton constituency. He formerly ran for the constituency as a Conservative MP but defected to UKIP in autumn 2014.

He used his victory speech to call for electoral reform:

"That failure to translate those 5m votes into seats is less a translation of how my party or the Green party campaigned. Rather, it tells us how dysfunctional our political system has now become. Approximately four times more people voted either for the Greens or for Ukip than the SNP, yet the SNP is expected to get many more times the representation."

While his results were announced, the LibDems lost two more seats to the Tories.

Alex Salmond has won his seat in Gordon. The former leader of the SNP thanks his campaign team and says he looks forward to representing all his constituents.

"There is a great wind blowing through Scotland this morning... It is an extraordinary statement of intent. The Scottish lion has roared this morning."

The Deputy Leader of the LibDems has been defeated in Bermondsey and Southwark. Simon Hughes was beaten by Labour's Neil Coyle.

As Nick Clegg arrived in Sheffield for his constituency declaration he ignored questions about his resignation.

Nick Clegg ignores question about his future as he arrives at Sheffield count. pic.twitter.com/2vYjxqqge7

— David Hughes (@DavidHughesPA) May 8, 2015

Total seats:

Lab - 92

Con - 55

SNP - 42

LD - 3

Others - 16

The LibDems have held a Scottish seat! Hallelujah. Alistair Carmichael, the Lib Dem Scottish secretary, has held Orkney and Shetland.

Labour have also assailed one of their targets: Hornsey and Wood Green. LibDem Lynne Feathersone loses her seat.

Liberal Democrats hold Orkney and Shetland, denying SNP claim to every Scottish seat

Lib Dems HOLD Orkney and Shetland. No clean sweep for the SNP.

— Britain Elects (@britainelects) May 8, 2015

UKIP fail to win target seat of Grimsby, as Labour hold

Great Grimsby constituency result: LAB - 39.8% ( +7.1) CON - 26.3% (-4.3) UKIP - 24.9% (+18.7) LDEM - 5.0% (-17.4) GRN - 2.3% (+2.3)

— Britain Elects (@britainelects) May 8, 2015

Liberal Democrat slaughter continues... Can leader Nick Clegg survive

Update from the killing fields: http://t.co/SeyNfJtO5Kpic.twitter.com/GxEUiRyUje

— Tom Chivers (@TomChivers) May 8, 2015

Respect MP George Galloway has lost his seat to Labour

Labour GAIN Bradford West. George Galloway OUT.

— Britain Elects (@britainelects) May 8, 2015

Liberal Democrat Cabinet Minister Ed Davey has lost his seat in Surbiton & Kingston to the Conservative Party

Ed Davey is out according to the Tories.

— Britain Elects (@britainelects) May 8, 2015

Total seats in England:

Lab - 32

Con - 25

LD - 1

Labour have taken a second seat from the Liberal Democrats.

If Miliband is forced to step down as leader, Chuka Umunna is one of those hotly tipped to take his place. He has just gathered a pretty convincing majority in Streatham.

Chuka Umunna increases his majority from 3k to 14k... A strong contender to lead Labour regardless of this extra haul of votes

— Allegra Stratton (@BBCAllegra) May 8, 2015

"Ed Miliband won't make it to tomorrow lunchtime" - Labour source.

The LibDem's bloodbath just continues to escalate. They have now lost nearly £30,000 in deposits.

Update: http://t.co/SeyNfJtO5Kpic.twitter.com/vJPafUikiW

— Tom Chivers (@TomChivers) May 8, 2015

"Scotland needs a strong Labour party, and the fight starts tomorrow" - Murphy's losing speech suggests he's not going anywhere.

However, while he was talking, the SNP took two further seats.

Salmond's 'Lion of Scotland' certainly is rearing its head.

So far in Scotland. SNP: 19. LAB: 0 CON: 0 LDEM: 0 UKIP: 0 GRN: 0

— Britain Elects (@britainelects) May 8, 2015

Liberal Democrat candidates are already calling for Nick Clegg's resignation tomorrow. They have only one one seat so far.

Lib candidate in Dorset West Ros Kayes tells me she will call for Clegg to go in her speech

— Ross Hawkins (@rosschawkins) May 8, 2015

Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy has lost his seat in Renfrewshire East Kirsten Oswald of the SNP.

Jim Murphy OUT.

— Britain Elects (@britainelects) May 8, 2015

Speaking from Glasgow, SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon has said that her party's great success would not guarantee another independence referendum.

UK seats so far:

Lab - 25

Con - 16

SNP - 17

DUP - 6

7 others are spread between other parties, including the LibDems who have currently amassed £19,000 loss of deposits.

Labour have made their first two gains in Burnley and Ealing, but the gains may not cancel out the disappointment that they have lost Kirkaldy, Gordon Brown's old seat.

Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath constituency result: SNP - 52.2% (+37.9) LAB - 33.4% (-31.2) CON - 9.9% (+0.6) UKIP - 2.3% (+0.7) LDEM 2.2% (-7.1)

— Britain Elects (@britainelects) May 8, 2015

Labour are currently predicted to lose 19 seats.

Labour's tone in defeat is even worse than their tone in campaigning. pic.twitter.com/9Y67o67so3

— Ross McCafferty (@RossMcCaff) May 8, 2015

The Conservatives hold Peterborough and Plaid Cymru take their third seat of the evening.

LibDem MP Jo Swinson has lost her seat in East Dunbartonshire to the SNP by a slim margin of 3,000 votes.

Jo Swinson loses narrowly to the SNP; rumours are it's not looking good for her husband Duncan Hames in Chippenham. God, this is brutal.

— Gaby Hinsliff (@gabyhinsliff) May 8, 2015

Alex Salmond has said "a Scottish lion is roaring tonight", and he is not wrong. The SNP have won every seat declared in Scotland so far.

The Conservatives hold Swindon South. They have kept both the Swindon seats which were considered necessary gains for a successful Labour party.

The Conservatives now hold 8 seats.

Buzzfeed's LibDem deposit loss calculator tells me they have now incurred losses of £10,500.

Upon her arrival at Glasgow, Nicola Sturgeon told press:

"I think the results we may be about to see unfold in Scotland tonight show that the anti-austerity message that the SNP put at the heart of this campaign has resonated across Scotland.”

We’ll wait and see the extent of the SNP victories tonight. Regardless of the results tonight I’m immensely proud of our candidates and campaign team.

Obviously it’s at a very early stage of the night in terms of results across the UK, as indeed it is in Scotland. But if the parliamentary arithmetic allows us to lock out the Tories then as I have said throughout this campaign that’s what we should do and my message to Ed Miliband is that we should work together to do exactly that."

The Conservatives hold Castle Point, Fareham and Broxbourne, while Labour hold Islington South and Finsbury.

Scottish seats being declared thick and fast, all 7 won by the SNP.

Total seats in the UK so far.

Lab - 17

Con - 6

SNP - 7

DUP - 5

LD - 1

The LibDems have reportedly lost £8000 in deposits. Gulp.

Update: http://t.co/SeyNfJtO5Kpic.twitter.com/Kcjh5wPU9f

— Tom Chivers (@TomChivers) May 8, 2015

The political editor of the New Statesman quotes a Labour source saying that Miliband's resignation is immanent.

Labour HQ source: "Ed has to resign tomorrow. Everyone here accepts that."

— George Eaton (@georgeeaton) May 8, 2015

The Renfrewshire result casts a bleak shadow on the union. Commentators are suggesting that Cameron look toward federalism sooner rather than later.

Union more vulnerable tonight than it appeared to be in days leading up to referendum. England opts for Thatcherism and SNP rules Scotland

— steve richards (@steverichards14) May 8, 2015

Douglas Alexander loses his seat in Paisley and Renfrewshire. It's a coup for the SNP; the Labour campaign chief has been ousted by Mhairi Black, a 20 year old student, by just under 6,000 votes.

Paisley and Renfrewshire South result: SNP - 50.9% (+32.9) LAB - 38.6% (-21.0) CON - 7.6% (-2.3) LDEM - 2.2% (-7.3)

— Britain Elects (@britainelects) May 8, 2015

Nicola Sturgeon is greeted by SNP supporters in Glasgow to watch the count.

Arrival of @NicolaSturgeon as she greets #SNP candidates for Glasgow. #GE2015pic.twitter.com/ejp3XJPq9N

— Kenny Stewart (@KennySkyNews) May 8, 2015

Despite facing heavy losses the LibDems have held Cerdigion. President Tim Farron tells the BBC that he "is not going to pretend it's a good night" but added that all exit polls "need to be taken with a pinch of salt".

Ceredigion result: LDEM - 35.9% (-14.2) PC - 27.7% (-0.6) CON - 11.0% (-0.5) UKIP - 10.2% (+7.7) LAB - 9.7% (+3.9) GRN - 5.6% (+3.8)

— Britain Elects (@britainelects) May 8, 2015

In Scotland the SNP are flexing their muscles and take Kilmarnock & Loudoun from Scottish Labour with almost double the votes.

A most admirable sentiment, under the circumstances.

Still see no reason, whatsoever, to change my view that David Cameron's career is over.

— Dr Éoin Clarke (@LabourEoin) May 8, 2015

Prime Minister David Cameron is on his way to the election count for his safe seat of Witney.

Cornered before he disappeared into his hotel, Farage lamented the lack of seats which UKIP could win.

“The most likely outcome is a lot of Ukip votes and a lot of angry Ukip voters. They are going to feel unrepresented” he said.

Labour's David Blunkett has made one of the saddest statements of the night.

David Blunkett: "The opinion polls were wrong, the exit poll is right, and this is a very, very bad night for us" http://t.co/heoRFOUpTx

— Sky News (@SkyNews) May 8, 2015

The Guardian have reported that Douglas Alexander, the shadow Foreign Secretary, will lose his seat.

SNP sources in Paisley say SNP student Mhairi Black has defeated Labour's incumbent, Douglas Alexander, who is the party campaign chief.

— Ewen MacAskill (@ewenmacaskill) May 8, 2015

Current seats:

Lab - 9

Con - 4

DUP - 2

SF - 1

None of the smaller parties have won seats.

Even though the result of Thanet South have yet to be announced, Douglas Carswell is already throwing his hat into the ring as a contender for leader of UKIP should Farage emerge without a seat tomorrow morning. Farage has repeatedly said he would stand down as leader if he is not elected.

Carswell doesn't rule out making leadership bid if Farage loses

— Ross Hawkins (@rosschawkins) May 8, 2015

Nuneaton declares: Marcus Jones for the Conservatives hold Nuneaton with a majority of just less than 5,000. This has been considered a key marginal seat and represents a strong result for the Tories. It was 38th on Labour's target seat. The LibDems too are facing an embarrassing result here with UKIP making huge gains.

Nuneaton constituency result: CON - 45.5% (+4.0) LAB - 34.9% (-2.0) UKIP - 14.4% (+14.4) LDEM - 1.8% (-13.6) GRN - 2.8% (2.8)

— Britain Elects (@britainelects) May 8, 2015

The LibDems are attempting to appear cool under what looks like a disastrous set of results.

Lib Dem chairman for Hackney, Reuben Thomspon: "We’re not going to know the real result, despite what the exit polls say until 1 of our 1/2

— Mary O'Connor (@MaryOConnor500) May 8, 2015

2/2 real seats of contention is announced, like in Eastbourne.” #GE2015

— Mary O'Connor (@MaryOConnor500) May 8, 2015

The first three Northern Irish seats have been declared. The DUP hold Antrim North, Lagan Valley and the SLDP hold Foyle.

The Press Association reported that the Greens have reported an increase in support levels form 1 percent in 2010 to 4.4 percent in the first six constituencies announced this evening.

There has been speculation that the Greens may poach the Norwich South seat from Labour, claims which Labour quickly dismissed as "wide of the mark".

The DUP have taken their first seat in Northern Ireland, with Jeffrey Donaldson being re-elected.

Labour holds Wrexham. Ian Lucas is back as MP with a majority of less than 2,000. The LibDems have taken a hit in Wexham with the Conservatives coming in second and UKIP taking third.

Wrexham constituency result: LAB - 37.2% (+0.3) CON - 31.6% (+6.2) UKIP - 15.5% (+13.1) PC - 7.6% (+1.5) LDEM - 5.3% (-20.5) GRN 2.0% (+2.0)

— Britain Elects (@britainelects) May 8, 2015

Conservatives hold Battersea. Jane Ellison wins with a majority of nearly 8,000. This will be a disappointment for Labour who were hoping to take a number of London seats and plumbed Battersea with campaigners over the last few days.

Battersea constituency result: CON - 52.4% (+5.0) LAB - 36.8% (+1.7) LDEM - 4.4% (-10.3) GRN - 3.3% (+2.2) UKIP - 3.1% (+2.1)

— Britain Elects (@britainelects) May 8, 2015

Lord Mandelson told the BBC earlier than all three main parties had "lost" the general election.

"What seems to have happened is that all the three main parties have lost this election. Some have lost it more than others - the Lib Dems in particular - but we seem to be heading to an outcome in which no party has achieved a majority ...

The Labour Party has been squeezed by two nationalisms. Obviously in Scotland with the SNP, very severely indeed, but also in England by the nationalist frenzy whipped up by David Cameron and the Conservative party. The Labour Party has found itself very uncomfortably between those two".

Labour holds Tooting with a small majority of less than 3,000. Sadiq Khan remains MP. Only a very small 0.2 percent swing from Conservative to Labour here.

Tooting result: LAB - 47.2% (+3.7) CON - 41.9% (+3.4) GRN - 4.1% (+2.9) LDEM - 3.9% (-10.9) UKIP - 2.9% (+1.6)

— Britain Elects (@britainelects) May 8, 2015

The vote is being recounted in Bradford West where George Galloway is standing for the respect party. He has been reported to police for allegedly breaking election law.

Bradford Council have reported Respect's George Galloway to the police for allegedly breaking election law [via @dinakarim] #ge2015

— BBC Radio Leeds (@BBCLeeds) May 7, 2015

Labour hold Newcastle-upon-Tyne East.

Newcastle Upon Tyne East constituency result: LAB 49.4% (+4.4) CON 17.6% (+1.5) UKIP 12.5% (+12.5) LDEM 11.0% (-22.2) GRN 8.7% (+7.1)

— Britain Elects (@britainelects) May 8, 2015

Shame that the print deadlines will leave tomorrow's headlines extolling the exit polls.

16 front pages, 1 story - UK newspapers on #GE2015pic.twitter.com/zbGnQOw4yz

— RTÉ News (@rtenews) May 7, 2015

The Guardian have analysed the swing of first three seats to declare, all of which were held by Labour.

Houghton and Sunderland South

7.01% swing Lab to UKIP

Sunderland Central

5.47% swing Con to Lab

Washington and Sunderland West

6.92% swing Lab to Ukip

07 May 2015

Putney declare: the Conservatives hold Putney with a majority of 10,187 for Justine Greening.

Putney constituency result: CON - 53.8% (+1.8) LAB - 30.0% (+2.6) LDEM - 6.3% (-10.6) GRN - 4.8% (+3.4) UKIP - 4.6% (+3.6)

— Britain Elects (@britainelects) May 7, 2015

Theresa May dodges a question about the Conservatives preparing to form a government tomorrow morning. "I only have my eye on one thing, and that is ensuring a secure number of Conservative seats" she says.

Isabel Hardman of the Spectator has tweeted that Farage is likely to lose in South Thanet.

Very good source tells me Farage *has* lost South Thanet. I’d be surprised if they were wrong. But we’ll see. http://t.co/ko0nFZL9Bh

— Isabel Hardman (@IsabelHardman) May 7, 2015

Swindon North have declared. Justin Tomlinson takes the seat for the Conservatives. He served as the MP for Swindon North during the 2010-2015 term and is a well-known campaigner. The result is not a huge shock as the seat was only 101 on Labour's hit list. The BBC say Swindon South will be a much more interesting contest.

Swindon North constituency result: CON - 50.3% (+5.7) LAB - 27.8% (-2.7) UKIP - 15.4% (+11.7) LDEM - 3.3% (-14.0) GRN - 3.3% (+2.3)

— Britain Elects (@britainelects) May 7, 2015

Labour have refuted a claim made by the BBC that the Greens will take the Norwich South seat. The party said the suggestion looked "wide of the mark".

Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy could be heading for an embarrassing defeat in Renfrewshire East. Conservative sources told the Press Association the SNP is narrowly ahead. This could prove the rule rather than the exception for Labour in Scotland, as Nicola Sturgeon’s party are expected to sweep the board north of the border. The rise of the Scottish nationalists will likely cost Ed Miliband the election.

Conservative sources say SNP narrowly ahead in Renfrewshire East, currently held by Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy #pointers#GE2015

— Press Association (@pressassoc) May 7, 2015

Labour's Yvette Cooper has said that in spite of the striking exit polls, "Cameron will find it difficult to command confidence of the House".

Rumors now abound that UKIP leader Nigel Farage may not secure his prospective South Thanet seat, losing by a hare’s breath to the Conservatives.

Farage has dropped strong hints he will not run for election again if he fails to win the seat.

Speaking to The Telegraph while out canvassing in Ramsgate on Wednesday, the UKIP leader suggested he would not be able to “do a Salmond” and leave the party, only to come back as leader once again.

He said his “neck was on the line” and hinted that Thursday’s result could see the end of his political career. Farage has already acknowledged he would step down as party leader if he is not elected.

Ukip source predicts Conservatives will win Thanet South

— Tim Wigmore (@timwig) May 7, 2015

The Lord Ashcroft exit polls are also more generous to Labour, with the Conservatives on 34 percent and Labour on 31 percent. Labour have insisted that they are "sceptical" of the BBC/ITV/SKY exit poll result, which put the Conservatives in the lead with 316 seats, adding that they still believe Miliband can form a government.

Lord Ashcroft Exit Poll: CON - 34% LAB - 31% UKIP - 14% LDEM - 9% GRN - 7%

— Britain Elects (@britainelects) May 7, 2015

More speculation that LibDem Ed Davey is in "real trouble". The LibDems have currently lost three deposits (the £500 deposit placed with a candidate which is lost if the candidate gains less than 5 percent of the votes), totaling £1,500.

Tory sources in Kingston & Surbiton believe Ed Davey is in 'real trouble' #GE2015

— James Chapman (Mail) (@jameschappers) May 7, 2015

RT's Harry Fear is currently live in Liverpool talking about the North/South divide and how this general election will affect the so-called 'Northern powerhouse'.

WATCH LIVE HERE

For those who want to get bogged down in the knitty gritty of the election. There's a Twitter account cross-stitching the seats into a map of the UK.

You must follow the Twitter account cross-stitching the election results: @tomkatsumihttp://t.co/1xaveWe5kM#GE2015pic.twitter.com/lOHzNU1WY3

— BuzzFeed UK (@BuzzFeedUK) May 7, 2015

If the rumors turn out to be correct and Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander has indeed lost his Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey seat to the Scottish National Party (SNP), it represents a shattering blow to the Liberal Democrats.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg’s party has already suffered a mauling in the north east of England where results have already been announced. Alexander may not be the only senior minister for the chop before the night is out.

Senior LibDem source: Danny Alexander has lost. #ge2015

— Alan Roden (@AlanRoden) May 7, 2015

Boris Johnson has said that if the exit polls prove correct, it will be a "very very clear victory for the Conservatives and a very bad night for Labour"

Natalie Bennett told the BBC that the exit polls are "highly surprising" but added that winning two seats would be a huge step forward for the party.

Labour are still insisting that the exit poll is out by at least 10 seats, which would give Miliband the chance to form a minority government if Cameron is unable to command confidence in the commons.. Labour may be sceptical of the exit poll, but I think more people are sceptical of Labour's optimism.

Ed Balls said:

"If the exit poll is out by even 10 seats - let alone 20 or 30 - suddenly David Cameron cannot get a majority for a Queen’s Speech. Then constitutionally it would fall to the leader of the opposition to become prime minister and see if he can get a Queen’s Speech through the Commons."

This spoof is doing the rounds, just to add a little perspective to the whole evening...

Epic headline strip by @CNN, referring the united kingdom just as 'us ally' pic.twitter.com/gRz8YwEcCZ

— Irem Koker (@ikoker) May 7, 2015

Leader of the Greens Natalie Bennett has said the exit poll must scrutinized.

"If we have doubled our parliamentary representation and we are sending perhaps Darren Hall in Bristol West to join the brilliant Caroline Lucas in Brighton Pavilion as a strong group of Green MPs in Parliament - then that will be a good result for the Green party" she said.

The Guardian's Owen Duffy has reported that a case of fraud is being investigated in Glasgow.

"Police are investigating an allegation of voter fraud in the Glasgow East constituency. I understand that there has been an allegation of personation, where an individual votes under someone else’s identity. I have asked count officials for further details" he writes.

Their worst nightmare is fast becoming their reality. The Liberal Democrats have lost their deposits in every constituency to announce its results. If this trend continues, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg could see his party wiped from the map. They could lose up to £26,000 in deposits.

Three lost deposits out of three for libdems... 5% swing con-lab ...

— Faisal Islam (@faisalislam) May 7, 2015

Third result in for Washington and Sunderland West

Sharon Hodgson wins for Labour with a majority of over 10,000. UKIP again coming in second and the Tories in third.

Washington and Sunderland West constituency result: LAB 55.0% (+2.4) UKIP 19.7% (+16.3) CON 18.9% (-3.0) LDEM 2.7% (-14.4) GRN 2.9% (+2.9)

— Britain Elects (@britainelects) May 7, 2015

The BBC are saying that voter turn out for the first two seats is 56.8 percent. That is nearly 10 percent lower than the total turn out in 2010

The big story likely to play out tonight is the UKIP surge. While already making significant gains in its share of the vote on 2010 figures, this will not necessarily translate into seats in parliament. RT examined the faults and flaws of Britain’s First Past the Post (FPTP) system and the growing demand for electoral reform.

There is also speculation over which LibDem MPs will survive the predicted bloodbath this evening.

If the Lib Dems only hold onto 10 seats, pretty sure they will have no women MPs.

— Rosamund Urwin (@RosamundUrwin) May 7, 2015

If only 10 Lib Dem survivors I'd guess: Carmichael, Clegg, Farron, Lamb, Laws, Hughes, Cable, Russell, Webb, Davey

— Peter Franklin (@peterfranklin_) May 7, 2015

Following the rumours circulating that Ed Balls may be set to lose his seat, he appeared on Sky News looking nervious and discombobulated.

Balls is looking a tad rattled

— Rachel Kennedy (@rachelkennedy84) May 7, 2015

The second result comes in from Sunderland Central. It's another Labour victory for Julie Elliott who wins with a majority and final count of 20,959. The Conservatives come in second and UKIP come in third.

Sunderland Central constituency result: LAB - 50.2% (+4.3) CON - 23.4% (-6.7) UKIP - 19.1% (+16.6) GRN - 4.1% (+4.1) LDEM - 2.6% (-14.3)

— Britain Elects (@britainelects) May 7, 2015

Nigel Farage thinks the exit poll shows a huge leap for UKIP, which could help bolster a Tory minority.

My prediction for tonight is that #UKIP vote will prove to be a huge boost to Conservative Party, not that it was our intention. #GE2015

— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) May 7, 2015

Max Keiser is live now on RT's election coverage.

.@MaxKeiser LIVE on RT now - watch here: http://t.co/GEZCs1Onk0#PeopleNOTpollspic.twitter.com/XRT71agSGQ

— RT UK (@RTUKnews) May 7, 2015

There's a lot of chatter about eating items of clothing on the BBC's coverage. Now Alistair Campbell has said he will eat his kilt if the SNP get 58 seats in Scotland.

Thankfully BuzzFeed have provided us with a helpful list of hats Paddy Ashdown could eat...

Michael Gove's adviser has speculated that Labour's Ed Balls may be set to lose his seat. An unbelievable coup for the Tories if this proves correct, following exit poll predictions.

Extraordinary rumours swirling - most incredible is that Tories think they might have got Balls in Morley and Outwood. Surely not.

— Sam Freedman (@Samfr) May 7, 2015

First result of the night - it's Sunderland South.

It's a landslide victory for Labour, whose candidate Bridget Phillipson has over 21,000 votes. UKIP in second and Tories coming in second and third respectively.

The Liberal Democrats have suffered a mauling in Houghton and Sunderland South, the first constituency to announce its result. The Deputy Prime Minister’s party secured just 2.1 percent of the vote – a loss of 11.9 percent. If the trend is repeated elsewhere, it is unlikely the Lib Dems will play any role in a future coalition.

Houghton and Sunderland South constituency result: LAB 55.1% (+4.8) UKIP 21.5% (+18.8) CON 18.5% (-3.0) GRN 2.8% (+2.8) LDEM 2.1% (-11.9)

— Britain Elects (@britainelects) May 7, 2015

A Labour source has been quoted as saying they are "sceptical" of the exit poll, adding "it looks wrong to us".

RT's Harry Fear is live on air in Liverpool talking about the coalition's election legacy.

He asked citizens in the town how they were planning to vote earlier today.

WATCH RT'S LIVE COVERAGE HERE

If everything goes to plan in Sunderland, we should be getting the fist constituency declaration within minutes.

A YouGov exit poll being cited which suggests that the seat distribution would be much closer between the Conservatives and Labour. YouGov have denied that the results are an exit poll. Nonetheless the results would mean Tories and Lib Dems at 315; while Lab, SNP, greens and PC at 315.

YouGov Exit Poll: CON - 284 LAB - 263 SNP - 48 LDEM - 31 UKIP - 2 GRN - 1 #TheVote

— Britain Elects (@britainelects) May 7, 2015

YouGov has not done an exit poll. A re-contact survey today simply gave us no reason to change our final numbers from yesterday.

— YouGov (@YouGov) May 7, 2015

Although the exit polls indicate a Conservative Party lead at 316 seats against Labour’s 239, the night is still young. With vote counting underway, who takes the keys to Downing Street could hinge on a handful of seats.

Based on these figures, the Tories may be in a position to lead yet another coalition government. However, were Labour to strike a deal with the Scottish National Party (SNP), they could match the Tories claim to office.

The shaky and tentative Conservative exit poll victory has already had an impressive effect on the value of the pound internationally.

Conservatives do well in exit poll. Pound immediately surged in currency markets #GE2015http://t.co/W0x7aUv4Pwpic.twitter.com/7NCObdGJlt

— Charles Read (@EconCharlesRead) May 7, 2015

I'd treat the exit poll with HUGE caution. I'm hoping for a good night but I think 58 seats is unlikely! #GE15

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) May 7, 2015

Nicola Sturgeon says she is treating the exit poll with "huge caution," adding 58 seats is "unlikely."

The responses to the exit poll showing a clear Conservative lead are flooding social media.

The Sun headline tomorrow: "HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA" #ExitPoll

— Shaun Kitchener (@ShaunKitchener) May 7, 2015

Readers react to the exit poll... pic.twitter.com/pW39hy2Zy6

— Brett Leppard (@TheBrettLeppard) May 7, 2015

On these numbers Miliband, Clegg and Farage could all be resigning.

— Harry Cole (@MrHarryCole) May 7, 2015

Paddy Ashdown, who led Nick Clegg's 2010 campaign has told the BBC he would "eat my hat (provided it's made of marzipan)" if the exit polls prove correct for the LibDems.

One LibDem source appears not to believe the exit polls.

Senior Lib Dem source: just don't believe exit poll, doesn't match any of their internal intelligence -10 seats at v bottom of expectations.

— Rowena Mason (@rowenamason) May 7, 2015

Speaking on the BBC, Tory Chief Whip Michael Gove says the polls show an "enthusiastic response" to the Tory campaign, adding that the Conservatives have already won it.

If the exit polls are as accurate as they were in 2010, then this could spell the worst result for Labour since 1987.

The 59 seats which the SNP are predicted to win spell a huge success for Nicola Sturgeon's party. In the last general election the SNP only won 6 seats of a total 60.

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BBC/ITV/SKY EXIT POLL

The Conservative - 316

Labour - 239

LibDems - 10

SNP - 58

UKIP - 2

This is a leap from earlier predictions which had placed Labour and the Conservatives on a par, but still not enough for a Conservative majority. It could, however, spell another Conservative/LibDem coalition.

In two minutes RT will be live across the UK and internationally. Stay tuned here for four hours of comprehensive coverage with Bill Dod and Polly Boiko.

WATCH LIVE HERE

Sticking with tradition, Sunderland is hoping to be the first constituency to declare its result, possibly within an hour of the official end of voting. In 2001 they managed to declare at a record breaking 10:43 pm.

With just 10 minutes left before voting closes, there are reports of queues forming at polling stations across the country. Legislation states that you are eligible to vote if you are in the queue before 10:00 pm.

Massive queue outside the community center polling station in Easton. Hope people aren't put off. #votepic.twitter.com/sfOBL0zTJ1

— Anna McMullen (@BristolAnna) May 7, 2015

A few minutes ago there was a long queue at the Viaduct Road #Brighton polling station (longer queue inside) pic.twitter.com/Gp0934QzJ9

— Andy Winter BHT (@AndyWinterBHT) May 7, 2015

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WATCH #PeopleNOTpolls with @BillDod1 and @Polly_Boiko from 10pm! Sky 512, Freesat 206, Freeview 135 https://t.co/iDUEehE2H8#GE2015

— RT UK (@RTUKnews) May 7, 2015

Critics say the voting system is broken and fails to accurately represent the views of the electorate:

According to a survey by ORB, 61 percent of the British public are in favor of a more proportional voting system.

Among young voters, 68 percent of those surveyed backed electoral reform.

Political scientists Jack Blumenau and Simon Hix of London School of Economics have calculated the odds of this election producing a proportional outcome.

Writing in the Washington Post, Blumenau and Hix say there is a 61 percent probability the election will produce the least proportional Commons since the establishment of universal male suffrage in 1918.

A prime example of how disproportional the outcome could be is the UK Independence Party (UKIP).

UKIP are forecast to gain 14 percent of the popular vote and yet could win just two seats. The Scottish National Party (SNP) on the other hand could win just 4 percent of the UK vote, but gain 50 or more seats.

Read the full article here

Twitter has been flooded with the hashtag #GE0215 because of a typo. The hashtag should of course be #GE2015.

The collective typo pushed the hashtag #GE0215 up into Trending Topics on Wednesday and today.

#GE0215? That's the funniest hashtag of the day and it's only 70:55

— Farty for Scotland (@MrFarty) May 7, 2015

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Hey Twitter, #ThatAwkwardMoment when the wrong election trend is trending #GE0215#GE2015 ...

— AngryBritain.com (@AngryBritain) May 7, 2015

Twitter has created a timelapse map of the UK showing tweets with the #IVoted tweet.

More than 1.3 million tweets about the election have been sent today.

Labour is the most talked about party with 43% of all election tweets.

This is what Twitter users have been talking about today on #ElectionDay

Twitter have composed this sparkling timelapse map of the UK, showing tweets sent using.

Labour 43%

Conservatives 30%

Ukip 12%

SNP 10%

Green 3%

Lib Dem 2%

Polls are closing in less than three hours.

David Cameron reportedly is planning to declare victory if the Conservatives win more seats than Labour, even if Labour and the SNP together will end up having more seats in Parliament.

The People's Assembly announced it will hold a demonstration on Saturday, May 9, outside Downing Street if this happens. The left-wing group writes on their website, “We cannot allow the Tories to get away with using a flagrant abuse of power to impose the most severe austerity this country has seen since the Second World War.”

The National Union of Students (NUS) has started a Twitter campaign with the hashtag #GenerationVote. Many students across the country, most of whom are first-time voters, are sharing pictures of themselves voting or encouraging others to vote on Twitter.

It’s an effort to get more students to vote with yellow stickers, foam hands and “Are you registered to vote?” T-shirts.

Have you voted yet? #GenerationVotepic.twitter.com/NtnA1KXlcd

— LiverpoolSU (@LiverpoolSU) May 7, 2015

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SHE'S VOTING! @nusuk#GenerationVote#GE2015pic.twitter.com/G1U2RtgtBM

— Colum McGuire (@ColumMcGuire) May 7, 2015

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Out and about encouraging students to vote in today's General Election. #generationvotepic.twitter.com/fElweoK42Z

— Alex Brooks (@PresGreenwich) May 7, 2015

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The Wikipedia pages of David Cameron, Nigel Farage and Caroline Lucas were hacked this afternoon and showed a picture of Labour leader Ed Miliband and "Vote Labour" on top of a deep red page.

The red page with the image of Miliband was all that showed up on the page.

The pages were restored quickly, but some Twitter users spotted it.

Wikipedia's entries for Nigel Farage and David Cameron have been hacked, pic.twitter.com/lpnCKPxSp8

— Brian A. Blake (@BABlakeNYC) May 7, 2015

The UKIP candidate whose name was left off 89 ballot papers in the Darlington constituency, as we reported earlier, has expressed his anger.

David Hodgson said in a statement, “Whilst the error was rectified after a number of people contacted Ukip to complain that my name was not on the ballot paper, there are serious questions to answer at the Council.

How can this have happened? Who is going to take responsibility? And what will be done to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again and no candidate ever finds themselves removed from the ballot paper in future.

What is particularly galling is that Darlington Council is not prepared to take responsibility nor offer an apology.”

People in Nigeria and Micronesia are more interested in the UK general election than Britons themselves, according to Google trends.

News Lab at Google measured interest in countries across the world by analysing search data and found that the UK is in third place behind Nigeria - a Commonwealth state and former British colony - and the Micronesian islands in the Pacific Ocean.

These three countries were followed by the Central African Republic, British Virgin Islands, Togo, Gibraltar, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Barthelemy and Vanautu in terms of interest by Google online searches throughout election campaigns from March to May.

Although the outcome of the election will play a major role in the future of the UK in the European Union, Germany came in 104th in terms of interest, while France is in 32th place, the US at 90th place and the Commonwealth members Australia at 38, India 84 and Canada at 68.

This excellent infographic site powered by the University of Sussex shows how many people have posted about their vote on social media. The site shows that more males than females are tweeting about their votes and that the majority of posts are centered in London.

Great stats about social media votes http://t.co/f0LHtFxrrQpic.twitter.com/1UAu3m1fBG

— Poppy Bullard (@PoppyBullard) May 7, 2015

Katie Hopkins makes one last foray into the election fray, and confirms she will stick to her guns and will genuinely leave the UK if Miliband wins the election.

She writes in the Sun:

"So I have no problem at all standing by my guns. Ed will not get the most votes this evening and by tomorrow we will find out Cameron is the true winner of this election campaign.

I know this is brave. Every other commentator out there – political or otherwise – refuses to have an opinion. They say it is too close to call. This is code speak for cowardice.

Frankly, if they are only able to call it when the result is blindingly obvious they aren’t much in the way of political commentators are they?

I am saying Dave will win, and with the help of the Lib Dems, a seat or two from Farage and the odd straggling MP here or there – he will break through the threshold needed to keep his kit at Number 10.

And if I am wrong, then so be it. I stand by my promise and I will leave the UK."

So there we have it. Conclusive proof. Get voting.

In the run up to polling day, RT asked voters in South Thanet what they thought of Nigel Farage as part of our #PeopleNotPolls coverage.

Piers Morgan, the journalist and television personality, has revealed his slightly off-beat choice of election candidate.

“None of these men seem to have a Scooby Doo what real Britain is like any more. They talk in exactly the same cliché-d platitude-ridden way that party leaders talked 30 years ago,” he wrote for the Mail Online

“I cringe when I watch Miliband struggle to ‘be normal’ and eat a simple hamburger. Or erect some ridiculous Moses-style tablet with his vacuous, meaningless pledges. Or try and pretend that politically stabbing his brother in the front, back and scalp wasn’t the single greatest act of treachery Westminster has ever seen.

“I groan at the sight of Cameron pulling up his sleeves and start shouting to try and prove he has passion when it’s clear he has about as much genuine passion in him as a neutered Aardvaak.

“Clegg? I just look at him and feel a sense of utter derision.”

“UKIP has been exposed for what it is, a nasty little Party for deluded Little Englanders.

“Its beer-swilling leader, Nigel Farage, will probably lose his own seat – a just reward for a disastrous campaign"

He adds that of his limited options he has decided to vote for the Animal Welfare Party, who are only fielding four candidates, because it would make his Grandmother happy.

"The final option is the Animal Welfare Party, which campaigns for animal rights, environment and health.

It is only fielding four candidates in this election, all of them in London. In Kensington, it is a man called Professor Andrew Knight – one of the country’s most eminent vets who has dedicated 20 years of his life to improving the often gruesome lot of animals in our supposed ‘Nation of Animal Lovers’.

After much deliberation, I’ve decided to vote for him and his party"

Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London has cast his vote at Hanover Primary School, in his constituency of Islington South.

During what has been the most unpredictable general election in decades, there has been a call for an overhaul of the current political system. RT looks at the pros, cons and alternative systems the UK could adopt.

"As frustrated voters head to polling stations across Britain, a growing chorus of critics forecast little change in the next parliament. They are calling for an end to unrepresentative “Victorian politics” and for far-reaching electoral reform.

The Electoral Reform Commission, which has long campaigned for a more just and representative strain of democracy in Britain, predicts the 2015 general election will unleash its own “distinctive tale.”

Yet by all accounts, it is likely to be a tale of the absurd.

Britain’s first-past-the-post electoral system is awkward, convoluted and barely fit for purpose, according to academics and campaigners across the UK. This arcane beast fails to represent broad swathes of Britain’s electorate, yet maintains a status quo that is no longer in the interest of many ordinary Britons, they argue."

Read the full article here.

Political blogger Guido Fawkes has reported that the Conservatives are having problems with their voter software which is failing to generate knock up slips of people who are registered but have yet to vote.

"This is a message from CCHQ that I’ve been asked to send out to London officers: ‘Vote Source’ isn’t generating knock up slips in committee rooms. Can you urgently ring each user and ask them to stop generating more as it is making the queue even longer! You can generate them from the control room. Vs team working on issue will be fixed soon" they quote a source as saying.

One Kent local has notified us that UKIP's buses have been defaced vandals with a sense of humour...

@RTUKnews It would appear 3 of UKIP's Kent buses have been customised by local people... pic.twitter.com/k3fPdDTkcl

— julie wassmer (@juliewassmer) May 7, 2015

Our video agency has posted footage of David Cameron casting his vote early this morning with wife Samantha.

David Cameron casts his vote in Oxfordshire FULL VIDEO: http://t.co/Iji5JV7Qeehttps://t.co/Vg7LgBvNpB

— Ruptly (@Ruptly) May 7, 2015

While this is the most diverse general election the UK has had in decades, there is still a battle between the two main parties, Labour and the Conservatives, to gain the highest number of seats. But what are the differences between the two giants of UK politics?

"Regardless of how the British public votes today, one outcome is guaranteed: the UK will end up with some form of either a Labour government or a Conservative government.

The two largest political parties in Britain have several differences in policy.

The Conservatives support a referendum on UK membership of the European Union (EU), for example, something which Labour is strongly against.

Labour, meanwhile, pledges to introduce a mansion tax for the wealthy, a move the Tories are opposed to.

Beneath these differences however, much of the two parties’ policies reflect a Westminster consensus"

Read the full article here.

Are you sure you put your ballot paper in the right box? Here's RT's look at the weirdest and wackiest polling stations across the country.

My local polling station pic.twitter.com/8j4dvRVLIH

— Karen (@Karenippy) May 7, 2015

Here's a great info-graphic from the London School of Economics which shows you when each seat's result will be announced.

Keep your eyes peeled for RT's guide to the most interesting constituencies in the UK coming soon!

This is a really fun tool for finding out when your constituency's result is declared http://t.co/fwXTf5tnFHpic.twitter.com/hhcxw4tQlt

— Poppy Bullard (@PoppyBullard) May 7, 2015

The latest social media trend to take over twitter is also definitely the silliest. #DogsAtPollingStations has seen voters post snaps of their political puppies getting involved in democracy.

#IVoted and so did the dog. #DogsAtPollingStationspic.twitter.com/WYLkpKtr7L

— Phoebe (@justphoebe) May 7, 2015

Pixar Lamps at Polling Stations....sorry I mean #DogsAtPollingStations#WaterOrton#IVotedpic.twitter.com/k3CjZgzyo9

— Kelly (@DHPLover) May 7, 2015

Young Jarrah voting for the first time #DogsAtPollingStationspic.twitter.com/vA3A4DMvjz

— Courtney (@c_greatrex) May 7, 2015

We've voted, and on his birthday too. What a treat #DogsAtPollingStations@Benvironmentals#Rhonddapic.twitter.com/oMbCgrb4O4

— Esyllt Mair (@EsylltMair) May 7, 2015

NB. Dogs can't actually vote, but we live in hope.

Don't forget to tune in from 10:00 for our comprehensive election night coverage with Bill Dod and Polly Boiko.

Have you ever wanted to put together the ultimate cabinet? Well here's your chance. Seeing as it's unlikely that we'll have any real results for at least a couple of days, why not create your own Fantasy Frontbench? You can pick your MPs on age, gender, and policies for maximum representation.

Despite the results of this election being far from certain, activists are already planning to demonstrate against a 'Tory coup' which would attempt to de-legitimise any agreement between Labour and the SNP.

"Activist groups are planning to take to the streets as rumors abound that David Cameron’s Conservatives may be preparing an election ‘coup’ after labeling any Labour government propped up by the SNP ‘illegitimate’.

Commentators have issued warnings in the wake of what they consider a sustained campaign by various influential newspapers to influence voters against a Labour/SNP pact.

The Guardian’s Owen Jones warned against “sleepwalking into a dangerous moment,” while Adam Ramsey, co-editor of the Our Kingdom blog, said the Conservatives were cooking up “an attempt to delegitimize any partnership between Labour and the SNP.”

Read the full story here.

There have been unverified reports in the Guardian that due to a glitch in the IT system some voters have been missed off the electoral roll, despite having been issued polling cards.

Some 30 people queued to complain outside the council in Hackney after they had problems voting at various different stations.

The UKIP candidate whose name was missed of the ballot paper has criticised the council.

David Hodgson told the Northern Echo:

"It’s shocking - absolutely terrible and inexcusable. I understand the Ukip office has been informed and will be lodging a protest.

I don’t know what happened but surely some law has been breached. I’ve not got a clue what happens now but I’m guessing the only way to resolve it is for it to be re-run".

A spokesperson for the council said they would be investigating the matter.

UKIP candidate name missed off ballot paper in one constituency

The Darlington Borough Council has just confirmed reports that the name of one candidate - David Hodgson of Ukip - was left of some ballot papers in the constituency. Voting has not been cancelled and will continue as normal.

A spokesperson for Darlington Borough Council said, “Approximately 89 ballot papers (0.1% of the total number of ballot papers printed) had been issued, but as soon as the issue was identified, corrected ballot papers were issued to the polling station concerned.”

We've just received word that ballot papers for the Darlington constituency have omitted one or more the parliamentary candidates.

— Britain Elects (@britainelects) May 7, 2015

David Miliband, Labour leader Ed Miliband's brother, has publicly announced his support for his brother.

If you are British and can get to a polling station, please vote, and please vote #Labour#Ed4PM

— David Miliband (@DMiliband) May 7, 2015

In 2010, the two brothers fought over the Labour leadership, which Ed ultimately, albeit unexpectedly, won. David then quit as MP and moved to New York to head an international aid organisation.

Last month, the former foreign secretary tweeted, "Proud to have voted #Labour. #Ed4PM," alongside a picture of his postal ballot envelope.

London tube stations are known for their "Thought of the Day" signs at entrances, often featuring quotes by famous people, idioms or words of encouragement. Today, however, the message is a bit more political.

Thursday 7th May "Revised " Thought Of The Day pic.twitter.com/zGkIUtyahx

— Oval Tube Station (@Oval_station) May 7, 2015

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Tube station, Angel, Islington. The Americanisation of British political discourse continues pic.twitter.com/LZ2vojxqaR

— Robert Booth (@Robert_Booth) May 7, 2015

More people than ever before have registered to vote this year. Nearly 2.3 million signed up, including more than 700,000 18-24 year olds, many of whom will be voting for the first time.

The current Prime Minister David Cameron, as well as his Deputy Prime Minister and coalition partner Nick Clegg of the Lib Dems and the opposition leader Ed Miliband of Labour have taken to Twitter to show that they have voted this morning and to encourage citizens across the country to follow suit.

Samantha & I voting Conservative this morning, so that everyone can have security whatever stage of life they are at. pic.twitter.com/rYTm0TkCQS

— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) May 7, 2015

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I’ve just voted in Doncaster. Today isn’t a day to vote simply for Labour but to vote for yourself & for your family pic.twitter.com/SyhjnkOcls

— Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) May 7, 2015

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Not the best weather on polling day in Sheffield Hallam but enjoyable being on the doorstep all the same. pic.twitter.com/6uWonIUdrh

— Nick Clegg (@nick_clegg) May 7, 2015

In the final pre-election Guardian/ICM poll, Labour has a slight advantage with a one-point lead over the Conservatives. Labour has moved into a wafer-thin in the final pre-election Guardian poll, leaving the country on a knife-edge with the markets starting to jitter.

Labour scored 35%, while the Conservatives stood at 34%.

In the provisional poll, UKIP has an 11% share, while the Lib Dems have 9% and the SNP 5% and the Greens 4%.

All the final polls so far seem to be showing a move towards Labour...

— Lord Ashcroft (@LordAshcroft) May 7, 2015

Britain's leading newspapers showed their partisan side a day before the election as they pledged their support for chosen parties.

Today, the Telegraph’s editor Chris Evans sent out an email to his paper’s readers asking them to vote for the Conservatives.

He writes that this year’s election marks a “watershed moment” and that his readers should decide whether to support an “enterprise-led economic approach” that has “underpinned” Britain’s prosperity for the last four decades or to choose an “old-style” government under Labour.

The Telegraph is sending out an email pleading for its readers to vote Conservative pic.twitter.com/kwcvYAcrz6

— Ned Donovan (@Ned_Donovan) May 7, 2015

Many people who are voting today live in safe seats, meaning a particular party dominates that area. This can be a frustrating experience for those who would like to vote for another political group.

RT spoke to one man who has proposes electoral reform.

#PeopleNOTpolls: ‘None of the above’ ballot option gaining traction http://t.co/rLbvNMyVgDpic.twitter.com/h6bX2LAjXb

— RT UK (@RTUKnews) April 16, 2015

Anti-austerity group The People's Assembly are planning a protest in the event of a 'Tory coup,' whereby Prime Minister David Cameron forms a minority government.

Protest: Stop the 'Tory Coup' (if it happens - watch this space). #GeneralElection#GE2015 Invite your friends: https://t.co/gC2c6sCuB9

— People's Assembly (@pplsassembly) May 7, 2015

David Miliband has tweeted in support of his younger brother, Labour leader Ed Miliband.

If you are British and can get to a polling station, please vote, and please vote #Labour#Ed4PM

— David Miliband (@DMiliband) May 7, 2015

Using the hashtag #PeoplenNotPolls, RT asks Twitter users what they think of UKIP leader Nigel Farage, who faces a battle to win his constituency of South Thanet. Here are some of the responses:

@RTUKnews Farage is a dead duck. #PeopleNOTpolls

— Lucy (@LucyDyer73) May 7, 2015

@RTUKnews Should be King of the Solar System.

— Richard Cleland (@RichardCleland1) May 7, 2015

@RTUKnews Strong debater in #EP

— Mila Jansen (@jansen_mila) May 7, 2015

Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood has cast her vote in Rhondda, South Wales. Plaid Cymru are forecast to hold three seats in Parliament after the general election, according to a Guardian opinion poll.

Plaid Cymru leader @LeanneWood, right, after casting her vote in Rhondda, South Wales. Picture: @BenBirchallCompic.twitter.com/St7AedWcsG

— Press Association (@pressassoc) May 7, 2015

RT correspondent Laura Burdon-Manley is tweeting from Wales, where she is speaking to people about what issues matter most to voters in the election.

Issues concerned people most: bedroom tax, pensions only raising by pennies, closing of FE colleges, nhs waiting lists @RT_com@RTUKnews

— Laura Burdon-Manley (@LauraBM_RT) May 7, 2015

Argument on Wales not Westminster to decide on fracking. Many say not enough invested in cleaner energy from tidal lagoons @RTUKnews@RT_com

— Laura Burdon-Manley (@LauraBM_RT) May 7, 2015

The FTSE100 share index dropped this morning by 1.7 percent as voters took to the polls amid fears that the next government will cause financial instability. Foreign investors have also been withdrawing capital from London at increasing rates during the first quarter of this year.

"Dafydd Davies at Charles Hanover Investments told Reuters:

“Given the [market] rally we’ve had so far this year, you could not say the mood is too alarmist over the election outcome.

“However, the risk of a hung parliament is causing people to sell out a bit to cash in on the rally.”

Al Murray's Pub Landlord is also standing against Farage as his comedy character the Pub Landlord. He is reported to have the same odds as winning as the Liberal Democrats, which (contrary to some opinions) are actually not a joke party.

£23 matched at the maximum price of 999/1 on Al Murray Pub Landlord to win South Thanet. Now 249/1, same price as Lib Dems @BetfairExchange

— Harry Phillips (@Harryphillips1) May 7, 2015

Just a little update on some of our favourite joke candidates.

Running against Farage in South Thanet is the Al-Zebabist Nation of Ooog party, who appears to be attracting support from voters who wish they were in his constituency.

The 'Al-Zebabist Nation of Ooog' party, heading for a landslide in South Thanet constituency #GE2015#ukelection2015pic.twitter.com/KYc3duzZFG

— David Quine (@DavidQuine) May 6, 2015

I wished I lived in #Thanet, I want to vote for Zebadiah Abu-Obadiah of the Al-Zebabist Nation of Ooog. Power to the Ooog's!

— Clickey Mark (@mickeyclark42) May 7, 2015

I look forward to seeing your prophesied win in South Thanet come to fruition over the next 24 hours @ProphetZebadiah, OOOG AKBAR

— Harry Riddick (@harryriddick) May 7, 2015

One major economic issue facing the next government will be TTIP, which is set to become the largest worldwide trade bloc between the US and the EU. Critics and activists have protested that it will leave government's at the mercy of multinational corporations and have dire implications for the NHS, but where to the main parties stand?

"The three main parties have taken broadly similar positions, with Labour and the Liberal Democrats emphasizing their support. They however stress their support for mechanisms that will ensure accountability.

The Lib Dems pledged that “We will only support an agreement that upholds EU standards of consumer, employee and environmental protection, and allows us to determine how NHS services are provided.”

Likewise, the Labour Party said it aims to “ensure the NHS is protected from the TTIP treaty.”

“We support the principles behind the negotiations on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Treaty.

“We will hold the European Commission to account on issues of concern, including the impact on public services and the Investor to State Dispute Settlement Mechanism (ISDS),”.

Read the full article here.

The best polling station so far?

It's #ElectionDay but from an economic perspective does it actually matter who wins? #GE2015https://t.co/3Jq90cfqcapic.twitter.com/uXOvdm7kxq

— Woodford Funds (@WoodfordFunds) May 7, 2015

Disgraced Sun columnist and media rent-a-gob Katie Hopkins has voted Tory (no surprise there).

If you can't find your voting card you can still vote (Tory) as long as you're registered. Your council can tell you which station to go to

— Katie Hopkins (@KTHopkins) May 7, 2015

So what happens after the results come in? It's likely there will be a hung parliament, but who will take the leadership, and how?

RT explored the possibilities. Read the full article here.

"History teaches us that in certain circumstances the second largest party may enter government, as was the case when Labour entered power in 1924. Equally, such a scenario frequently occurs across the EU if a hung parliament arises.

Irrespective of this fact, Miliband may face resistance on Friday if he seeks to form a government amid a gridlocked parliament. Critics say the Labour leader may be burdened with considerable opposition from an electorate that thinks it is wrong that a party with fewer seats than its main rival could enter government.

Current opinion polls indicate the population are somewhat confounded by the prospect of a hung parliament. A recent YouGov survey found 48 percent of those polled think the leader of the party with the most MPs would have a “better claim” to become PM in the event of a hung parliament."

A far cry from the usual village halls and primary schools, AFP have captured this rural polling station in a residential building, which voters have accessed on horseback..

An equestrian groom, rides back to residential house where polling station is set up in Bramshill. @photogator96#AFPpic.twitter.com/dhAq1IedyC

— AFP Photo Department (@AFPphoto) May 7, 2015

Dr Helen Pankhurst, great-granddaughter of suffragette and women's rights activist Emmeline Pankhurst has urged young women to vote in a piece for the Telegraph.

She writes: "If you [vote] now, you are more likely to keep doing so, thereby making a statement about engagement rather than apathy; about wanting to have a say in the political system that governs your life - for now for the future. If you don’t vote now, then the chances are you will continue to be uninterested and sidelined by the democracy that you are a representative of".

First time voters are also excited about getting involved in #GE2015

Too young to vote last time, merely by a few days. Just got my first vote in! #ElectionDay

— Matt Morton (@matthew_morton) May 7, 2015

Voted for the first time ever yaaaaaay

— Joanna Peasland (@JoannaRose1996) May 7, 2015

Excited to go and vote in a GE for the first time! #VoteEfeAmbrose

— Colin Hester (@colinhester_) May 7, 2015

SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon has written a piece for The National calling for more Scottish voices to be heard in Westminster.

"There is a message that I have been hearing over and over as polling day approaches. It is a message that has been replayed back to me on the doorsteps, in the streets and at meetings time and time again over the past six weeks.

And that is that people the length and breadth of Scotland are tired of the Westminster parties and their dismal record.

They have had enough of the cuts agenda that has punished some of the most vulnerable families and communities in our society. And above all they are looking for their own voices – and for Scotland’s – to be heard at Westminster" she writes.

What really matters to voters? As part of our #PeopleNotPolls coverage RT spoke to individuals about what they are voting for.

Leader of the Conservatives David Cameron has cast his vote in Witney, Oxfordshire, with his wife Samantha.

Want to see where the party leaders voted? Here's @David_Cameron: #ElectionDaypic.twitter.com/LQVd6kqfgN

— Reuters UK Politics (@ReutersLobby) May 7, 2015

Another seat to watch today is Brighton Pavilion where the Green's Caroline Lucas has been MP since 2010. She was the party's first Member of Parliament and they will be looking to see her re-elected in what has traditionally been a Labour seat. Results for the seat will be declared at 05:00.

Let's hope we can do this again! @lmwalter@CarolineLucashttp://t.co/7YltpBQW2spic.twitter.com/pIz2U5dIGi

— ♤☠ Nico ☠♤ (@Snafflepuss) May 7, 2015

Results for South Thanet, where UKIP leader Farage is standing, will be declared at 06:00 on Friday morning, for those up early (or late!) enough to see it. As part of our #PeopleNotPolls coverage, RT spoke to voters in Thanet to find out what they thought of the leader.

Nigel Farage is drumming up last minute support, which he'll need - he pledged to step down as leader and said he wouldn't stand again if he is not elected today.

Good morning from #SouthThanet. It's time to vote for real change. It's time to #VoteUKIPpic.twitter.com/EpkBgsrKL9

— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) May 7, 2015

Tune in from 10:00 BST to RTUK for the latest election breakdown, where presenters Bill Dod and Polly Boiko will be looking at People Not Polls.

Even the polling stations are urging voters to make their vote count - only 65 percent of the country voted in the last general election in 2010. This was taken by journalist Rupert Myers.

Just took this photo. Such an amazing coincidence. Really, amazing. Says it all #GE2015pic.twitter.com/ByDxoqYh3T

— Rupert Myers (@RupertMyers) May 7, 2015

Leader of the Green party Natalie Bennett has also voted at Ossulston's Tenant Hall in London.

#IVoted#ge2015#VoteGreen2015 - the media scrum was after this! https://t.co/OnUfy98pqp

— Natalie Bennett (@natalieben) May 7, 2015

#PeopleNOTpolls: Join the conversation on Twitter with our election hashtag!

Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon has cast her vote. The nationalists stand to make sweeping gains and Labour's expense.

Nicola Sturgeon arrives to vote with husband and SNP chief executive Peter Murrell https://t.co/vStTEokbou

— Libby Brooks (@libby_brooks) May 7, 2015

UKIP leader Nigel Farage has voted

.@ukip leader goes in to vote in Ramsgate #ge2015pic.twitter.com/Jc5xZDVwSY

— Robin Brant (@robindbrant) May 7, 2015

pic.twitter.com/BXFeAE20Eo

— Sam Lister (@sam_lister_) 7 мая 2015

.@UKIP leader @Nigel_Farage arrives to cast his vote in Ramsgate. Picture: @GarethJFuller#GE2015pic.twitter.com/oOKbDFF3Yr

— Press Association (@pressassoc) 7 мая 2015

Polling stations have opened their doors for voting in the 55th Parliamentary elections. They’ll be open until 10pm tonight, when electoral teams will begin counting the results, including thousands of postal votes.