Thursday, May 13, 2010

British elections, losers and winners

• Gordon Brown holds Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath with a majority of 23,000 - up almost 5,000 on 2005. Returning to Downing Street, he says he is willing to hold discussions on the future shape of government with any party leader, with economic stability the top priority.

• David Cameron comfortably holds Witney, winning 58.8% of the vote on a 6.3% swing from the Lib Dems. He says it is clear that Labour has lost its mandate to govern, and plans to make a "big, open offer" to the Lib Dems about forming a strong, and stable government, but does not rule out a minority Tory administration. Former premier Sir John Major says offering the Lib Dems seats in Cabinet was "price worth paying".

• Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg increases his majority in Sheffield Hallam, but admits it has been a "disappointing night" for his party. He said the Conservatives have earned the right to try to form a government.

PUBLIC ANGER OVER VOTING PROBLEMS

• The Electoral Commission announces a "thorough review" after hundreds of voters were turned away from polling stations and police called to deal with queues as the 2200 voting deadline passed. In Hackney, east London disgruntled voters stage a protest sit-in. Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg apologises to people at a polling station in his Sheffield Hallam constituency, who did not get a chance to vote.

• Overseas Britons also complain they have been denied the chance to vote.