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'Shy Labour?': how election night unfolded - as seen by our readers 'Shy Labour?': how election night unfolded – as seen by our readers
(about 13 hours later)
It wasn’t quite the election night we were expecting.It wasn’t quite the election night we were expecting.
Before the polls closed, everyone was predicting a Tory victory: the only question being by how much. Would May increase her majority, giving her the “mandate” she claimed she needed for Brexit negotiations?Before the polls closed, everyone was predicting a Tory victory: the only question being by how much. Would May increase her majority, giving her the “mandate” she claimed she needed for Brexit negotiations?
Or would she, after a poor campaign, fail to make significant Tory advances, putting her personal position as Tory leader under further scrutiny?Or would she, after a poor campaign, fail to make significant Tory advances, putting her personal position as Tory leader under further scrutiny?
Instead, we greeted the new day with the possibility of a hung parliament, with Jeremy Corbyn calling on the prime minster to resign.Instead, we greeted the new day with the possibility of a hung parliament, with Jeremy Corbyn calling on the prime minster to resign.
Here’s how it unfolded through the increasingly wide eyes of our readers, who needed a great deal of coffee.Here’s how it unfolded through the increasingly wide eyes of our readers, who needed a great deal of coffee.
The Tories will get a majority, it's simply a question if it will be a small increase on what they have or a larger one as the polls have indicated.The Tories will get a majority, it's simply a question if it will be a small increase on what they have or a larger one as the polls have indicated.
And then the exit poll came through.And then the exit poll came through.
Holy shit.Holy shit.
10:01pm (BST): The poll showed the Conservatives short of an overall majority. To say that this wasn’t what people were expecting is an understatement. Are we in for a hung parliament? The Guardian newsroom is an exciting and slightly manic place to be, but the mood is nothing compared to the comments on our live blog.10:01pm (BST): The poll showed the Conservatives short of an overall majority. To say that this wasn’t what people were expecting is an understatement. Are we in for a hung parliament? The Guardian newsroom is an exciting and slightly manic place to be, but the mood is nothing compared to the comments on our live blog.
YES YES YES YES YES YES YESYES YES YES YES YES YES YES
Well well well.Well well well.
10:30pm: Still laughing.10:30pm: Still laughing.
If the exit polls are correct... It’s very difficult to imagine the exit polls can be correct. Can they?If the exit polls are correct... It’s very difficult to imagine the exit polls can be correct. Can they?
11:02pm: The first result comes in. It’s Newcastle Central, beating Sunderland, the usual winners.11:02pm: The first result comes in. It’s Newcastle Central, beating Sunderland, the usual winners.
It’s Labour, who increase their vote - as do the Conservatives. This vote is in line with the exit poll prediction. Turnout is up by around 10%.It’s Labour, who increase their vote - as do the Conservatives. This vote is in line with the exit poll prediction. Turnout is up by around 10%.
Amazing:Guardian first edition front page pic.twitter.com/vKJ0QafEmyAmazing:Guardian first edition front page pic.twitter.com/vKJ0QafEmy
Newcastle - town of my birth -Newcastle - town of my birth -
Labour win - 24,071.Labour win - 24,071.
Geordies rule the Earth.Geordies rule the Earth.
First two results in.First two results in.
In Newcastle, an exit poll predicted 7% swing to Labour, and an actual one of 2%In Newcastle, an exit poll predicted 7% swing to Labour, and an actual one of 2%
While the second result shows a 3.5% swing to the Tories. Exit poll prediction was 3% swing to Labour.While the second result shows a 3.5% swing to the Tories. Exit poll prediction was 3% swing to Labour.
Interesting, eh? But early days yet.Interesting, eh? But early days yet.
11:44pm: It’s Sunderland Central’s turn to declare. This might give us a bit more idea of what is going on. It shows us a swing to the Conservatives of 2.3%, with Ukip plummeting massively. Both the Tories and Labour look to be increasing their vote share - and it’s not as simple as Ukippers returning to the Conservative party.11:44pm: It’s Sunderland Central’s turn to declare. This might give us a bit more idea of what is going on. It shows us a swing to the Conservatives of 2.3%, with Ukip plummeting massively. Both the Tories and Labour look to be increasing their vote share - and it’s not as simple as Ukippers returning to the Conservative party.
Exit poll significantly out. John Curtice polishing up CV.Exit poll significantly out. John Curtice polishing up CV.
11:57pm: Newcastle Upon Tyne East and Swindon North declare. Predictable Labour and Conservative wins - but these are more in line with the exit poll than we saw in Sunderland Central.11:57pm: Newcastle Upon Tyne East and Swindon North declare. Predictable Labour and Conservative wins - but these are more in line with the exit poll than we saw in Sunderland Central.
Massive massive result for Labour there.Massive massive result for Labour there.
11:59pm: Swindon Central is another Tory win, as expected11:59pm: Swindon Central is another Tory win, as expected
My annual reminder of why I left Swindon when I was 18.My annual reminder of why I left Swindon when I was 18.
But Labour’s Mark Dempsey is second on 21,096 – and that’s up 11 points. A better result for Labour than the exit poll predicted.But Labour’s Mark Dempsey is second on 21,096 – and that’s up 11 points. A better result for Labour than the exit poll predicted.
In Swindon it looks like the UKIP vote went straight to Labour. Switching from radical right to radical left?In Swindon it looks like the UKIP vote went straight to Labour. Switching from radical right to radical left?
01:14am: Newcastle Upon Tyne North sees both Labour and the Tories increase their vote by similar margins.01:14am: Newcastle Upon Tyne North sees both Labour and the Tories increase their vote by similar margins.
Bless, the kippers are losing their deposits. It would take a heart of stone not to laugh.Bless, the kippers are losing their deposits. It would take a heart of stone not to laugh.
mfw thinking about the possibility of Zac Goldsmith losing 2 elections in a year #GE2017 pic.twitter.com/YA0qZPqY6Lmfw thinking about the possibility of Zac Goldsmith losing 2 elections in a year #GE2017 pic.twitter.com/YA0qZPqY6L
Heard from very good source who was there that Rupert Murdoch stormed out of The Times Election Party after seeing the Exit Poll 😂 #Vote2017Heard from very good source who was there that Rupert Murdoch stormed out of The Times Election Party after seeing the Exit Poll 😂 #Vote2017
12:30am: Tories hold Kettering and Nuneaton, but all eyes now on that swing, and rumours trickling in from other seats. Amber Rudd - one of the favourites to succeed Theresa May - could be under threat in Hastings, and there are early rumbles about Nick Clegg losing out to Labour in Sheffield Hallam.12:30am: Tories hold Kettering and Nuneaton, but all eyes now on that swing, and rumours trickling in from other seats. Amber Rudd - one of the favourites to succeed Theresa May - could be under threat in Hastings, and there are early rumbles about Nick Clegg losing out to Labour in Sheffield Hallam.
Another percentage swing in Kettering....despite a undoubted Tory hold a 3.5% swing to Labour is supporting the exit poll!Another percentage swing in Kettering....despite a undoubted Tory hold a 3.5% swing to Labour is supporting the exit poll!
imagine if YouGov have been playing a blinder this whole time https://t.co/yNldlClczYimagine if YouGov have been playing a blinder this whole time https://t.co/yNldlClczY
12:52am: Labour have held Middlesborough - as expected - and also have seen off the Tory challenge in Darlington, a seat they had hoped to take. Indeed, it was the kind of seat the Conservatives needed to win if they were to get the big majority Theresa May was demanding for her Brexit negotiations.12:52am: Labour have held Middlesborough - as expected - and also have seen off the Tory challenge in Darlington, a seat they had hoped to take. Indeed, it was the kind of seat the Conservatives needed to win if they were to get the big majority Theresa May was demanding for her Brexit negotiations.
5) we are entering a period of chronic political instability, and another general election in the autumn looks almost inevitable5) we are entering a period of chronic political instability, and another general election in the autumn looks almost inevitable
1:06am: We’re about to get our first Wales result. My Welsh colleague is very excited and is doing a strange dance, much to the amusement of the newsroom. Llanelli is a Labour hold. Wrexham, another Tory target, is also a Labour hold.1:06am: We’re about to get our first Wales result. My Welsh colleague is very excited and is doing a strange dance, much to the amusement of the newsroom. Llanelli is a Labour hold. Wrexham, another Tory target, is also a Labour hold.
Labour holds Wrexham and Darlington - these were seats that the Tories needed to win if they were going to get a majority. They are going to lose a few seats here and there and needed to win these marginals.Labour holds Wrexham and Darlington - these were seats that the Tories needed to win if they were going to get a majority. They are going to lose a few seats here and there and needed to win these marginals.
Theresa May on hearing the exit poll. #Election2017 pic.twitter.com/BS06zwBpDdTheresa May on hearing the exit poll. #Election2017 pic.twitter.com/BS06zwBpDd
1:15am: The first seat to change hands, and it’s a gain for Labour, who have snaffled up Rutherglen and Hamilton West from the SNP.1:15am: The first seat to change hands, and it’s a gain for Labour, who have snaffled up Rutherglen and Hamilton West from the SNP.
Take out a few small Brexit swings in the NE, the rest of the results have been pretty terrible for the Tories.Take out a few small Brexit swings in the NE, the rest of the results have been pretty terrible for the Tories.
1:21am: Tooting, another Tory target, is a crushing Labour hold, who increase their vote share by 12%. Things are getting very interesting.1:21am: Tooting, another Tory target, is a crushing Labour hold, who increase their vote share by 12%. Things are getting very interesting.
those bloody shy Labour voters, eh?those bloody shy Labour voters, eh?
1:31pm: Mhairi Black, the Baby of the house, has held on to her seat, though it’s a lot closer than in 2015, with Labour cutting her majority. Tom Watson, the Labour deputy leader, held West Bormwich East with a swing to Labour of 8%. His victory speech is a savage attack on Theresa May.1:31pm: Mhairi Black, the Baby of the house, has held on to her seat, though it’s a lot closer than in 2015, with Labour cutting her majority. Tom Watson, the Labour deputy leader, held West Bormwich East with a swing to Labour of 8%. His victory speech is a savage attack on Theresa May.
Tory insiders now saying that they've lost every marginal constituency that Theresa May has visited #BBCelectionTory insiders now saying that they've lost every marginal constituency that Theresa May has visited #BBCelection
1:46m: The results are tumbling in now. Amid a slew of more predictable holds in the midlands for the Conservatives, Labour take Vale of Clwyd from them.1:46m: The results are tumbling in now. Amid a slew of more predictable holds in the midlands for the Conservatives, Labour take Vale of Clwyd from them.
You can compare our second edition to the earlier one up the page. Something is happening here.You can compare our second edition to the earlier one up the page. Something is happening here.
Whatever you think of Corbyn, whether you love or hate him, he has managed to exorcise Blairism forever from the Labour Party and is managing to slowing break up the Thatcherite concensus.Whatever you think of Corbyn, whether you love or hate him, he has managed to exorcise Blairism forever from the Labour Party and is managing to slowing break up the Thatcherite concensus.
Corbyn stuns ToriesGuardian second edition front page pic.twitter.com/vTNCPSNox1Corbyn stuns ToriesGuardian second edition front page pic.twitter.com/vTNCPSNox1
2.00am: On ITV, chancellor turned newspaper editor turned election pundit George Osborne is calling the election “the revenge of the young”. Labour have taken Battersea off the Conservatives, adding to the feeling that Theresa May’s hard Brexit plans are being thoroughly rejected by London voters. Rupa Huq wins Ealing Central on a big swing. Ealing was another Tory target.2.00am: On ITV, chancellor turned newspaper editor turned election pundit George Osborne is calling the election “the revenge of the young”. Labour have taken Battersea off the Conservatives, adding to the feeling that Theresa May’s hard Brexit plans are being thoroughly rejected by London voters. Rupa Huq wins Ealing Central on a big swing. Ealing was another Tory target.
One thing seems increasingly certain: Jeremy Corbyn isn’t going anywhere.One thing seems increasingly certain: Jeremy Corbyn isn’t going anywhere.
Jezza's grin going into his count tho #BritainDecides #ElectionDay2017 pic.twitter.com/0jarGnrEmhJezza's grin going into his count tho #BritainDecides #ElectionDay2017 pic.twitter.com/0jarGnrEmh
Labour win Bury North. Boris Johnson is photographed heading to his count, grinning wildly.Labour win Bury North. Boris Johnson is photographed heading to his count, grinning wildly.
The biggest political miscalculation in my lifetime by far.The biggest political miscalculation in my lifetime by far.
I've seen a few but this one takes the cake.I've seen a few but this one takes the cake.
Politician becomes country's leader unelected but then loses very soon after in her election. It's hilarious. pic.twitter.com/2yzVtu9IyJPolitician becomes country's leader unelected but then loses very soon after in her election. It's hilarious. pic.twitter.com/2yzVtu9IyJ
2:38am: A new forecast from the BBC: the Tories on 322 seats, able to pass a budget with help from the Northern Ireland unionists. The Tories seem to be having a good night of it in Scotland, with gains from the SNP. But there’s still a long way to go, and we’re running dangerously low on caffeine.2:38am: A new forecast from the BBC: the Tories on 322 seats, able to pass a budget with help from the Northern Ireland unionists. The Tories seem to be having a good night of it in Scotland, with gains from the SNP. But there’s still a long way to go, and we’re running dangerously low on caffeine.
Goodness Scotland! This is the nuttiest election I've ever seen.Goodness Scotland! This is the nuttiest election I've ever seen.
Whooops.Whooops.
I'm sorry. But nothing will be better than this tonight. Or ever. #GE2015 pic.twitter.com/ONbG181mHaI'm sorry. But nothing will be better than this tonight. Or ever. #GE2015 pic.twitter.com/ONbG181mHa
2.48am: We talked about it earlier, but it’s happened. The People’s Republic of South Yorkshire have kicked out Nick Clegg, who is looking very sad as he says farewell to his Sheffield Hallam seat. He says there’s a huge gulf between young and old in the country. And yet...2.48am: We talked about it earlier, but it’s happened. The People’s Republic of South Yorkshire have kicked out Nick Clegg, who is looking very sad as he says farewell to his Sheffield Hallam seat. He says there’s a huge gulf between young and old in the country. And yet...
Looks like the young got their revenge on Clegg.Looks like the young got their revenge on Clegg.
2:59am: Clegg out, but Vince Cable back in, retaking Twickenham from the Tories. It’s the circle of life.2:59am: Clegg out, but Vince Cable back in, retaking Twickenham from the Tories. It’s the circle of life.
Twickenham is a hoofing great constituency isn't it!Twickenham is a hoofing great constituency isn't it!
3:07am: Corbyn has won his longstanding seat of Islington North with a ridiculous majority of over 33,000. Spare some sympathy for the Communist League candidate, though, who only garnered seven votes.3:07am: Corbyn has won his longstanding seat of Islington North with a ridiculous majority of over 33,000. Spare some sympathy for the Communist League candidate, though, who only garnered seven votes.
Communist League candidate's 7 votes in Islington N is 3 less than the 10 nominations needed to stand #GE2017Communist League candidate's 7 votes in Islington N is 3 less than the 10 nominations needed to stand #GE2017
Labour has also taken back the UK’s most marginal seat – Gower in south Wales.Labour has also taken back the UK’s most marginal seat – Gower in south Wales.
Jeremy Bernard Corbyn duly elected for the 9th time for Islington North with 40,000+ votes.Jeremy Bernard Corbyn duly elected for the 9th time for Islington North with 40,000+ votes.
JC4PMJC4PM
3:22am: Theresa May is giving her victory speech, having seen off Lord Buckethead and Howling Laud Hope. She says it looks like the Conservatives will be the largest party, and talks about maintaining a period of stability, which isn’t the language of a leader that is about to resign.3:22am: Theresa May is giving her victory speech, having seen off Lord Buckethead and Howling Laud Hope. She says it looks like the Conservatives will be the largest party, and talks about maintaining a period of stability, which isn’t the language of a leader that is about to resign.
May bangs on about a need for stability. Why call an election then?May bangs on about a need for stability. Why call an election then?
Theresa May doing her best to stay away from Lord Buckethead on the stage at Maidenhead count. pic.twitter.com/dcUnmVgfCTTheresa May doing her best to stay away from Lord Buckethead on the stage at Maidenhead count. pic.twitter.com/dcUnmVgfCT
3:28am: Leaders at election counts are like buses, apparently. Tim Farron is up now, as the Lib Dems hold Westmorland and Lonsdale - though not by very much.3:28am: Leaders at election counts are like buses, apparently. Tim Farron is up now, as the Lib Dems hold Westmorland and Lonsdale - though not by very much.
And Tim Farron ran against someone called Mr Fishfinger. Britain is not doomed, I repeat, Britain is not doomed pic.twitter.com/oRDSp48aBpAnd Tim Farron ran against someone called Mr Fishfinger. Britain is not doomed, I repeat, Britain is not doomed pic.twitter.com/oRDSp48aBp
3:40am: Labour have won in Canterbury. Repeat: Labour have won in Canterbury.3:40am: Labour have won in Canterbury. Repeat: Labour have won in Canterbury.
Labour win Canterbury. Corbyn deserves to be PM just for that result alone. Remarkable.Labour win Canterbury. Corbyn deserves to be PM just for that result alone. Remarkable.
4:24am: Conservative gains in Scotland - including the scalp of the former SNP leader Alex Salmond - have been countering some of the losses the party have suffered in London and elsewhere. Is this the end of Scottish independence for the forseeable future?4:24am: Conservative gains in Scotland - including the scalp of the former SNP leader Alex Salmond - have been countering some of the losses the party have suffered in London and elsewhere. Is this the end of Scottish independence for the forseeable future?
How strange is politics. Scotland, so long a wasteland for the Tories, is keeping them alive tonight. Without their gains here they would have no chance of forming a government. Will Ruth Davidson be the new leader?How strange is politics. Scotland, so long a wasteland for the Tories, is keeping them alive tonight. Without their gains here they would have no chance of forming a government. Will Ruth Davidson be the new leader?
5:03am: People hoping for a Portillo moment are disappointed when Amber Rudd clings on. Will she be battling Boris Johnson for the Conservative leadership before the year is out?5:03am: People hoping for a Portillo moment are disappointed when Amber Rudd clings on. Will she be battling Boris Johnson for the Conservative leadership before the year is out?
In talk of Amber Rudd, worth noting her Rizla-thin margin in Hastings. 0.6%....In talk of Amber Rudd, worth noting her Rizla-thin margin in Hastings. 0.6%....
5:58am: It’s official - it’s a hung parliament. An election that was called to give Theresa May a mandate for Brexit negotiations has given us more confusion than we started with, on an encouraging night for Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.5:58am: It’s official - it’s a hung parliament. An election that was called to give Theresa May a mandate for Brexit negotiations has given us more confusion than we started with, on an encouraging night for Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Now definitely a hung parliament. Theresa May has totally failed.Now definitely a hung parliament. Theresa May has totally failed.