Almost every single seat has now been declared. Just two are outstanding, one of which doesn't go to the polls until 27 May, so the makeup of the House of Commons is effectively known.
Throughout the afternoon, all leaders have made statements to the cameras and the theme of these statements is the same - what deals can be done to create the required stable government?
Nick Clegg was the first to speak, indicating his willingness to work with the Conservatives as the largest party in terms of both seats and percentage vote. He had said previously that he believed that the largest party should have the first opportunity to create a government and he was true to his word.
Gordon Brown spoke outside Number 10 trying to distance himself from his role as leader of the Labour Party and saying that he spoke as Prime Minister in the national interest. He made very clear that the government is still functional noting that Mr Darling would be involved in European talks regarding the recent financial crisis. The message to the Liberal Democrats was clear - that he would be happy to look at ways to work together where there is a common interest between the two parties. He acknowledged that Clegg had indicated that the Conservatives had first choice and said they should take all the time that they need.
Finally David Cameron spoke of impressive party gains in terms of the number of seats and the share of the vote. He applauded and welcomed new Conservative MPs and highlighted that these are part of the new breed of Conservatives. He then went on to say to the Lib Dems that he would make them a comprehensive offer. He said they could work together on common areas between manifestos - education, ID cards, tax reforms and the low carbon economy. Defence, Europe and debt reduction were not areas for compromise however.
A key part of the Liberal Democrat manifesto is electoral reform. David Cameron touched on this subject too by saying he would support an inquiry into political and electoral reform. He stopped short of supporting a referendum on the electoral system however.
There has been some negativity in the Tory ranks regarding these offers made by Cameron, but from my point of view this does seem sensible. Where parties share common ground it makes sense to work together even if it does mean some compromises. An inquiry into electoral reform does not necessarily lead to a proposal to change the voting system but can include Conservative pledges such as giving constituents the right to recall their MP. Given the situation, it is either accept some compromises and team up with another party or accept defeat.
We're now in a situation where discussions are going to take place. It's reported the the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats will enter such discussions this evening, but it could be some time though before a resolution to this hung parliament is found - assuming one is found of course.
Throughout the afternoon, all leaders have made statements to the cameras and the theme of these statements is the same - what deals can be done to create the required stable government?
Nick Clegg was the first to speak, indicating his willingness to work with the Conservatives as the largest party in terms of both seats and percentage vote. He had said previously that he believed that the largest party should have the first opportunity to create a government and he was true to his word.
Gordon Brown spoke outside Number 10 trying to distance himself from his role as leader of the Labour Party and saying that he spoke as Prime Minister in the national interest. He made very clear that the government is still functional noting that Mr Darling would be involved in European talks regarding the recent financial crisis. The message to the Liberal Democrats was clear - that he would be happy to look at ways to work together where there is a common interest between the two parties. He acknowledged that Clegg had indicated that the Conservatives had first choice and said they should take all the time that they need.
Finally David Cameron spoke of impressive party gains in terms of the number of seats and the share of the vote. He applauded and welcomed new Conservative MPs and highlighted that these are part of the new breed of Conservatives. He then went on to say to the Lib Dems that he would make them a comprehensive offer. He said they could work together on common areas between manifestos - education, ID cards, tax reforms and the low carbon economy. Defence, Europe and debt reduction were not areas for compromise however.
A key part of the Liberal Democrat manifesto is electoral reform. David Cameron touched on this subject too by saying he would support an inquiry into political and electoral reform. He stopped short of supporting a referendum on the electoral system however.
There has been some negativity in the Tory ranks regarding these offers made by Cameron, but from my point of view this does seem sensible. Where parties share common ground it makes sense to work together even if it does mean some compromises. An inquiry into electoral reform does not necessarily lead to a proposal to change the voting system but can include Conservative pledges such as giving constituents the right to recall their MP. Given the situation, it is either accept some compromises and team up with another party or accept defeat.
We're now in a situation where discussions are going to take place. It's reported the the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats will enter such discussions this evening, but it could be some time though before a resolution to this hung parliament is found - assuming one is found of course.