Scotland roars but Cameron reigns

Samantha and David Cameron return to No 10 Downing St after the Tories' surprise victory. Photo / AP

Doubts Ed Miliband will survive as Labour leader after crushing losses.

David Cameron last night returned to Downing Street as Prime Minister after securing a shock election victory which looked set to deliver an overall majority for the Tories.

The Conservative leader declared his intention to "govern on the basis of governing for everyone in our United Kingdom" - a recognition of extraordinary gains by the SNP in Scotland which will pitch leader Nicola Sturgeon against Cameron. The SNP won 56 of 59 seats in Scotland.

A deflated Labour leader Ed Miliband was expected to stand down after a series of crushing election losses, and said he was "deeply sorry" for Labour's "difficult and disappointing" election night.

After weeks of opinion polls suggesting the result was too close to call, "shy Tories" came out in force at the last moment to keep Cameron in Downing Street.

Last night a revised results forecast suggested the Tories would win 329 seats - more than half of the Commons.

With Sinn Fein not taking their seats and the Speaker not voting, it would effectively give the Tories a majority of around seven.

The SNP tide has swept aside Labour and LibDem big names in a tide of nationalism which has already sparked calls for a second independence referendum.

The LibDems, coalition partner in the last Tory-led Government, were fighting for their survival as a political party, with key ministers voted out. Party leader Nick Clegg clung on to his seat in Sheffield Hallam but revealed he will make an announcement about his leadership after a "cruel and punishing night".

The anti-immigration Ukip party secured as many votes as the SNP and LibDems combined, but could be left with just two MPs with Nigel Farage forced to quit if he fails to win in South Thanet.

Fifty million people were eligible to vote in the most closely fought campaign in a generation. Opinion polls in recent weeks had Labour and the Tories neck and neck, suggesting Britain faced political deadlock. But exit polls quickly suggested voters switched to the Conservatives at the last moment, meaning Cameron would do better than expected.

- Daily Mail