General election: Exit poll predicting Tory majority says 65 seats ‘too close to call’
First official results expected before midnight
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Dozens of seats are considered “too close to call” by the exit poll which forecast Boris Johnson to win a landslide Conservative majority of 86 in the House of Commons.
The survey of voters at polling stations across the UK suggests the Tories will win around 368 seats to Labour’s 191, with Liberal Democrats on 13 and the Scottish National Party on 55.
If confirmed when the votes are counted, this would deliver the largest Tory majority since 1987 and clear the way for Mr Johnson to take the UK out of the European Union on 31 January.
But, according to poll aggregator Britain Elects, as many as 65 seats are classified as “too close to call” ahead of the first official results, which are expected before midnight.
The shock projected result would represent a disaster for Jeremy Corbyn, who would be under intense pressure to resign, while providing Mr Johnson a free hand to implement his programme over a term of at least four-and-a-half years in Downing Street.
High-profile MPs projected to lose their seats include Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson in East Dunbartonshire, as well as former Tory mayoral candidate Zac Goldsmith in Richmond Park.
The pound spiked on news of the exit poll, as markets responded to the prospect of a stable majority government after years of uncertainty.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments