Britain left in limbo by poll result

Britain's political future was in turmoil today after the General Election delivered a hung parliament.

Conservative leader David Cameron was close to Downing Street but by 6am was poised to fall just short of the 326 seats needed for an overall majority.

His party secured the biggest swing against Labour in 80 years but, with 500 seats declared, analysts were suggesting the Tories would take 305 seats in total - 21 short of a majority.

Gordon Brown's Labour would have 255 seats and Nick Clegg's Liberal Democrats a disappointing 61 seats.

The Tories failed to make in-roads in crucial target seats, particularly against the Liberal Democrats, who had a bad night in the polls.

In the West Midlands, casualties included Wolverhampton South West Labour MP Rob Marris, Stafford's Labour MP David Kidney and Independent Richard Taylor in Wyre Forest.

Read the full story, with reaction, photos and analysis in the Election Special Express & Star - on sale this morning for 40p