Exit poll predicts Tories largest party

General Election exit polls predict the Conservatives will be the largest party in a hung Parliament but still 10 seats short of an overall majority.
File photo dated 06/05/2010 of a voter placing a ballot paper in the ballot box at the polling station at Market Hall in Swadlincote, Derbyshire. Voters overwhelmingly believe there should be a referendum on Britain's relationship with the European Union, according to an opinion poll tonight. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Monday June 11, 2012. The survey by Populus for The Times found almost half - 49% - wanted a referendum immediately while a further third - 33% - believed there should be one "in the next few years". See PA story POLITICS Poll. Photo credit should read: Rui Vieira/PA WireFile photo dated 06/05/2010 of a voter placing a ballot paper in the ballot box at the polling station at Market Hall in Swadlincote, Derbyshire. Voters overwhelmingly believe there should be a referendum on Britain's relationship with the European Union, according to an opinion poll tonight. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Monday June 11, 2012. The survey by Populus for The Times found almost half - 49% - wanted a referendum immediately while a further third - 33% - believed there should be one "in the next few years". See PA story POLITICS Poll. Photo credit should read: Rui Vieira/PA Wire
File photo dated 06/05/2010 of a voter placing a ballot paper in the ballot box at the polling station at Market Hall in Swadlincote, Derbyshire. Voters overwhelmingly believe there should be a referendum on Britain's relationship with the European Union, according to an opinion poll tonight. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Monday June 11, 2012. The survey by Populus for The Times found almost half - 49% - wanted a referendum immediately while a further third - 33% - believed there should be one "in the next few years". See PA story POLITICS Poll. Photo credit should read: Rui Vieira/PA Wire

Early indications after voting closed on Thursday night are that the Tories could gain 316 seats and Labour 239.

The polls also predict a great night for the Scottish National Party who are predicted to win 58 seats.

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The Liberal Democrats are predicted to have 10 seats, with the Greens and the UK Independence Party two seats each.

Polls closed at 10pm on Thursday and the first result came through at 10.51pm, a Labour hold in Houghton and Sunderland.

Meanwhile verification of votes has begun at the Morecambe and Lunesdale and Lancaster and Fleetwood constituency count at Salt Ayre Sports Centre.

The count proper is expected to begin at 2am with results expected between 8am and 10am, according to acting returning officer Mark Cullinan.

Follow our live election blog live throughout the night HERE.

Follow our reporting team on Twitter @the_visitor and @guardiandigital using the hashtag #GE2015.