Pair to share analysis

George Osborne and Ed Balls will be in the ITV studio on the night of the general election, the broadcaster has said.

The Conservative former chancellor and Labour’s former shadow chancellor will provide analysis throughout ITV’s election night coverage on June 8.

Mr Osborne, now editor of the Evening Standard newspaper, has become a critic of the Tories under Theresa May, who sacked him as chancellor.

Mr Osborne said: “There is nothing quite like an election night and I am delighted to be joining the ITV News team sitting alongside Tom Bradby, this time as commentator rather than candidate.

“I’m looking forward to sharing my analysis of events and hope Ed and I will bring a different perspective on what’s happening and how all the main characters might be feeling.”

Mr Balls, who lost his seat at the last general election in 2015, has since had success as a contestant in Strictly Come Dancing.

“It’s the first time in over 20 years that neither George Osborne nor I will be actively involved for one of the two main parties,” he said.

“But hopefully, as the results come in, we will be able to add some interesting perspective and analysis on what has been a most unusual campaign.”

ITV says it will be the only UK broadcaster at every election count.