UK election 2017: Exit poll predicts Tories to be largest party

According to the general election exit poll, Tories will be the largest party but may not have a majority.

The survey taken at polling stations across the UK suggests the Tories could get 314 MPs when all the results have been counted in yesterday’s election.

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Labour would get 266, the Lib Dems 14, UKIP none and the SNP 34, the GFK/Ipsos MORI poll for BBC/ITV/Sky suggests.

Early results are suggesting a small swing to Labour but it is too early to say if the exit poll is accurate. Turnout is so far up by 3 points on the 2015 general election, which means it could be close to 70% by the end of the night, the highest since 1997.

Labour's deputy leader Tom Watson, who held his West Bromwich East seat, said the "hours to come look very uncertain", but added, "Theresa May's authority has been undermined by this election. She is a damaged prime minister and her reputation may never recover."

Labour saw off a Conservative challenge to hold Darlington and took Stockton South back from the Conservatives, denting May's hopes of a revival in the North East of England and a landslide victory.

UK election 2017: Exit poll predicts Tories to be largest party
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Labour gained Rutherglen and Hamilton West from the SNP, with an 8.9% swing, suggesting, said polling expert John Curtice, that the SNP "are going to suffer quite substantial losses". The SNP has also lost Angus, in North East Scotland, to the Conservatives.

Labour also held Wrexham, a top Conservative target in Wales and took the Vale of Clwyd from the Conservatives, it's first gain of the night from May's party.

Labour also took Battersea, in South London, from the Conservatives, with Treasury Minister Jane Ellison losing her seat.