Exit poll at 10pm BST to give indication of election outcome ahead of overnight vote counts
UK general election results 2024: live trackerWhat time will we know who won? Guide to the night
Even if nothing much happens, in news terms, on polling day until 10pm, it is a glorious day for those who cherish our democracy. Esther Addley captures what has been happening here. And, yes, it features dogs at polling stations.
Good evening. Britain’s first past the post (FPTP) electoral system is flawed in many respects – it is not fair to small parties, it means many people feel that their votes never count, it does not guarantee stable governments – but in one respect at least it performs brilliantly. When the nation is truly fed up with a government, and when the public is determined to “throw the rascals out”, FPTP delivers. As in 1906, or 1945, or 1997, it can lead to an unpopular governing party being crushed by a landslide that reshapes the political landscape. We’re expecting another tonight.
