The results of the UK general election have created a hung parliament.

The results of the UK general election have created a hung parliament – and Conservative leader David Cameron has made an offer to the Liberal Democrats to join forces.

As ballots are still being counted at 15.30 BST, the Conservatives have 305 seats, Labour 258 and the Liberal Democrats 57.

Failing to reach the 326 required to form a majority government, the Conservative Party has set out its plans to make a “big open and comprehensive offer” to Nick Clegg, the leader of the Liberal Democrats.

Britain’s unwritten constitution has in the past seen the sitting prime minister in a hung parliament having the right to make the first attempt at forming a ruling coalition.  But Mr Cameron said Mr Brown has “lost his mandate to govern” after the Conservatives won the most votes and the most seats.

In response, Labour leader Gordon Brown has said that he “respects” the right of the Lib Dems to talk to the Tories about forming a government.
He also said he was still Prime Minister however, and, if talks failed, would open negotiations with the Lib Dems.

Mr Clegg, in his speech earlier, said the Tories have the first right to seek to govern. The Lib Dems have done worse than in 2005 despite favourable opinion polls; he admitted it had been a “disappointing night” for the party.

Speaking outside its headquarters in London, Nick Clegg said: “It is vital that all parties, all political leaders, act in the national interest and not out of narrow party political advantage.”

Hundreds of voters have been left angry after being turned away from polling stations last night – in parts of London, Manchester, Sheffield, Birmingham, Liverpool, Newcastle and Surrey – and an inquiry will now be held. Of the problems, David Cameron said: “An early task for a new government is to get to the bottom of what has happened and make sure that it never happens again.”