The seventh General Election results have been announced, with the Conservatives emerging as the largest party in a pioneering election that has caused controversy across the MHoC community.

The election, which was rerun this afternoon after a string of incorrect results were announced, dramatically changed the political landscape of the country. The Conservatives, who were previously the smallest party on 11 seats, now are in pole position to form a government this term with 20 seats. However, the broad left remains a strong force, with the RSP and Greens combining to make 30 seats. In the centre, the Liberal Democrats collapsed with only 7 seats from last term’s 13, whilst newcomer Progress made a not insignificant mark with its 2 maiden seats. The National Unionist Party improved on last year’s impressive 12 seats to increase their total to 13, despite predictions that the party would lose seats. The Labour party also increased their total by 1, sitting on 12. There was surprise as both of the SNP candidates won seats, as well as 2 independents and 1 SDLP MP. There are more seats to be added, as so-called ‘overhang’ seats will be announced throughout the week.

Conservative leader /u/InfernoPlato spoke to Sky News earlier, and indicated his pleasure at the results. “We've climbed from being the smallest party to the largest party. I am immensely proud of the work our party has done nationwide and on the ground,” He stated. The former Deputy Prime Minister expressed that more could be done, however, saying “In some areas the results did not reflect the effort put in. Next election we intend to work even hard to get out our vote displaying a strong and confident party." He remained tight-lipped on potential coalition deals saying only "We intend to form a government."

Long-standing RSP MP /u/AlanBstard also reflected on the election results, with his party losing 6 seats. “The party are disappointed that a small number of our colleagues have not been returned to parliament.” He suggested why his party had not fared as well as hoped, noting “some of that is due to failings of the last government, some due to the new electoral system.” Looking forward, he also remained quiet on possible coalition partners, simply stating “We shall continune [sic] to work with all parties on the left and elsewhere in the House to secure a more prosperous, and fairer Britain.”

This leaves an interesting backdrop on which to form coalitions. Being the largest party, many would expect the Conservatives to dictate coalition negotiations. Quite what a centre-right government would look like is unclear, especially given the number of ‘overhang seats’ yet to be announced, but a CON-KIP-LIB government would not be enough to command a majority, with 38 seats. This would still be a considerable number, but not as many as the previous government (RSP-GRN-LAB), whose coalition now sits on 42 seats. If the CON-KIP-LAB coalition was happy to work with the NUP, then we could see a majority - not taking into account the number of seats will change with the so-called ‘overhang’ seats - of 51 seats. On the left, the current government could still continue if it accommodated the Liberal Democrats, the SNP, the SDLP, and the Socialist independent MP. This would take them to 53 seats. Either side could also work with Progress, despite some acrimony in the Conservative party over the departure of former Shadow Chancellor /u/TheDesertFox929. It seems the balance of power will be with the centrist parties, despite their relatively weak performance.

However, the prospect of a further ABL coalition depends on whether Labour MPs will stomach another term after what has been a tumultuous government. Labour Leader /u/akc8 spoke to us shortly after the results. “Overall, I think we have done well. A gain of seats from the last election while being in government shows the great services we did for our voters and the country.”, he began. Reflecting on the party’s time in office, the Deputy Prime Minister remarked that “Entering government the people understood the roll [sic] we played in negotiation of legislation and our efforts.”. As with other party leaders, he declined to comment on specific coalition discussions, but when asked about the prospect of his MPs accepting a deal that contained the RSP or the Greens, he replied It is not up to me on what coalition we go into, that is down to my party, we are having a good discussion about it now so we can move forwards united.

The formal coalition forming period is set to start when all results are in. Only then will we get a clearer picture of which coalitions are feasible, and ultimately who will govern our nation.

Full election results:

Conservatives - 20
Radical Socialists - 16
Greens - 14
National Unionists - 13
Labour - 12
UKIP - 11
Liberal Democrats - 7
Progress - 2
Scottish Nationalists - 2
Independent Socialists - 1
Classical Liberals - 1
Social Democratic Labour - 1
Note - 'overhang seats' still to be added

Sky News will bring you all the latest election and coalition news as this story develops.