Election 2015: 10 brief conclusions

Image source, Getty Images

  • Author, James Landale
  • Role, Deputy political editor

After an extraordinary night, ten brief conclusions:

  • The Cabinet Manual can be put away.
  • The Conservatives are likely to govern alone.
  • With a small majority or slight minority for David Cameron, Tory MPs will be much empowered.
  • As such, Mr Cameron will need support from other parties to get business through.
  • The PM will also need a better whips office to handle rebellions.
  • UKIP's success with votes but failure with MPs will prompt renewed calls for electoral reform.
  • Labour and the Lib Dems will probably need new leaders.
  • Both parties will begin a fundamental rethink/bitter internal battle over their future direction.
  • The arrival of 56 SNP MPs will transform the House of Commons and British politics.
  • David Cameron and others will have to think very hard about the future of the UK after an election that has so strained the union with a Tory England set against an SNP Scotland.