DHAKA: The Conservatives are set to be the largest party in the Commons but just short of a majority, according to the general election exit poll.

The survey taken at polling stations across the UK suggests the Tories will get 316 MPs to Labour’s 239 when all the results have been counted.

It suggests the Lib Dems will get 10 MPs, the SNP 58, Plaid Cymru 4, UKIP 2 and the Greens two.

The exit poll was conducted by NOP/MORI for the BBC, ITV and Sky, reports the BBC.

The first election results are due before midnight with the final result on Friday afternoon.

The finishing line needed to form an absolute majority is 326, but because Sinn Fein MPs have not taken up seats and the Speaker does not normally vote, the finishing line has, in practice, been 323.

If the exit poll is accurate, as it was in 2010, David Cameron could be on course to remain prime minister as the head of a minority government without the need for a coalition - although he might have to rely on the support of the DUP or the Lib Dems.

Even if Labour leader Ed Miliband was able to persuade the Lib Dems to join the SNP in backing a Labour government, he would not have the necessary numbers to get his legislative program through Parliament in a Queen’s Speech.

Labour looks set to suffer a hammering in Scotland at the hands of the SNP, with their vote dropping an average of 18%.

But the exit poll suggests it will be an even worse night for the Lib Dems, with the party’s vote falling 16% on their 2010 share - worse than the most gloomy predictions before polling day.

Lib Dem election chief Lord Ashdown told the BBC, ‘If this exit poll is right I will publicly eat my hat’.

** Election exit poll puts Tories ahead

BDST: 0404 HRS, MAY 08, 2015
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