UK Election results

After more than 640 election results are declared, it emerges Britain has its first hung parliament since 1974. The Conservatives are the largest party, but will fall short of the 326 seats needed to form a majority government. Labour loses more than 80 seats, and the Liberal Democrats fail to make gains. Tory leader David Cameron says he hopes to begin talks with the Liberal Democrats as quickly as possible, but Gordon Brown says he too would be willing to speak to any of the other party leaders. Former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith is among those to lose their seat. The Electoral Commission is to investigate after hundreds of people across the country are prevented from voting. Voter turnout was 65.2% - up from 61.4% in 2005. THE LEADERS 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 begin talks with the Liberal Democrats about forming a strong, and stable government, but does not rule out a minority Tory administration. 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. Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg apologises to people at a polling station in his Sheffield Hallam constituency, who did not get a chance to vote. (www.bbc.com)