Tories to lose overall majority – exit poll
Theresa May’s gamble on a snap election looks set to cost her overall control of the House of Commons, according to an exit poll released after the June 8 general election.
The BBC/Sky/ITV poll suggested the UK was heading for a hung parliament, with Conservatives 12 seats short of the 326 they need for an absolute majority in the Commons.
The poll put Tories on 314 seats, with Labour on 266, the Scottish National Party on 34, Liberal Democrats on 14, Plaid Cymru on three and Greens on one.
If borne out by the actual results, the poll figures would represent a humiliation for the Prime Minister, who went into the election with a small but viable majority and expectations that she should be able to secure an advantage of 100 seats or more in the House of Commons by going to the country early.
And it would be a personal triumph for Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who was widely regarded as having run a successful campaign after being written off as unelectable by many observers and some in his own party.
It would also represent a significant setback for the SNP’s Nicola Sturgeon, whose party won a historic 56 out of 59 seats north of the border just two years ago.
And it could throw the UK’s politics into disarray as the parties scrabble to form a government, just 11 days before the expected start of Brexit negotiations in Brussels.
The poll suggests the Tories will lose 16 of the 330 seats they held at the end of the last Parliament, while Labour gains 37, the SNP loses 20 and the Liberal Democrats gain five.
However, even after 30,000 voters were questioned at 144 polling stations, there is always a possibility that the exit polls may be misleading.
In 2015, they significantly underestimated the Tory tally, putting David Cameron’s party on 316 when it finally emerged with 331.
The weather will have done nothing to boost turnout yesterday but that didn’t stop the majority of the British public from braving the elements to vote.
Among them Leader of Plaid Cymru Leanne Wood who seemed in buoyant mood after casting her ballot at the Soar Centre in Penygraig in the Rhondda Valley.
Meanwhile Conservative Party leader Theresa May headed to her polling station in Maidenhead with husband Philip and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn cast his vote at a polling station at Pakeman Primary School in London.
Armed police were spotted at some polling stations around the country in reaction to the continued “severe” terror alert in the wake of recent attacks in London and Manchester.
And among those urging people to use their democratic right was London Bridge terror attack hero Geoff Ho.
The Sunday Express business editor was left in intensive care after deciding to “face the attackers down” when they burst into the Black & Blue restaurant at Borough Market on Saturday night.
Despite being stabbed in the neck by one of Islamic extremists, Mr Ho urged his Twitter followers to get out in vote in the election as he is unable to do his “civic duty” from his hospital bed.
Meanwhile, one of Britain’s top business leaders said the next government should put “people and trade ahead of politics” in Brexit negotiations.
Carolyn Fairburn, director-general of the CBI, said whoever wins the electin must make the UK “a true world leader in the industries of the future” and refocus the economy.
Reports have suggested that concern among businesses over Mrs May’s plans for Brexit, which would take the UK out of the European single market and aim to reduce net migration to below 100,000.
Mr Corbyn’s Labour, meanwhile, has pledged to reverse cuts to corporation tax and nationalise key industries.
Ms Fairburn said: “With the election nearly over, there has never been a more important time to refocus on the economy and plan with confidence and ambition.
“As a nation we have the creativity, skills, and global outlook to make the UK a true world leader in the industries of the future, bringing jobs and growth to all parts of the UK.
“UK forms will work with whoever forms the new government to make the most of this golden opportunity.
“As early priorities, business will want to see a commitment to tax and regulatory stability, fast progress on a modern industrial strategy to support skills, infrastructure and innovation, and a Brexit approach that puts people and trade ahead of politics.” Elsewhere the mood was lighter. In Northern Ireland two newlyweds
ducked out of their own wedding to cast their vote.
West Belfast hopeful Sorcha Eastwood was left speechless on April 18 when Mrs May called a snap election for her big day – but promised to make the two-minute trip from St Patrick’s Church in Lisburn to Brownlee Primary School to cast her ballot.
The bride and groom attended their local polling station in wedding gown and tails.
In Cardiff a host of reasons were given for coming out to vote.
Phil Hunt, 47, said: “I don’t like the way things are going at the moment, and the recent campaigns haven’t effected my views on as to who I was going to vote for.”
Manoj Borade said: “I am voting for things like policing and immigration.
“There are not enough police on our streets.
“The campaigning hasn’t really effected many decision.”
At Cardiff Central Library Adam Davies admitted at the age of 28 that he had been motivated to vote for the first time at this election, such was this election’s importance.
Others like Tom Brenchley, 65, wanted change.
“I do not like the establishment,” he said.
Around 150 residents at Ty Enfys Care Home in Maesteg did not even have to step outdoors to vote.
The residential, dementia and nursing homes’ reception areas and coffee shops were used as a polling station.
Isobel Lucas, 92 said: “It is great having a polling station in reception, not only for the residents but for the surrounding community.
“I think it is good for them to see how lovely it is.”
In Swansea Anthony Thomas criticised Mrs May’s decision to call an election.
“She did it on the premise it would be a walkover, giving her more power for Brexit,” he said.
“She should have done the leaders debate but nothing has changed my mind during the campaign.
“Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn have both shown vulnerability but for me it’s who is the best person to take us through Brexit.”
For Carl Jenkins this election was less about Brexit and more about cuts to services.
“I think confidence in the government has gone to be honest.
“I’m a serving police officer and what she’s done with us, with cuts has given me an opportunity to put things right.
“Recent events have also pushed me towards who I voted for. Manchester and London.”
Before last night’s exit poll, the polls continued to paint a mixed picture as the campaign drew to its conclusion – with Mrs May’s lead ranging from within a single point to a double-digit cushion according to the final batch.
Ipsos Mori which interviewed 1,291 GB adults by telephone between June 6 and 7 for the Evening Standard put the Tories on 44%, eight points clear of Labour on 36%, with the Liberal Democrats on 7%, Ukip 4%, and the Greens 2%.